Officials: Man Smuggles Nearly $200k Worth Of Cocaine In Salad Dressing At JFK

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A passenger arriving at JFK Airport was bringing in more than oil and vinegar, according to customs officials.

On Oct. 5, Andres Josue Leal Valle, of Guatemala, arrived on a flight from Mexico City and presented three suitcases and a carry-on bag for inspection.

During the exam, U. S. Customs and Border Protection officers removed a plastic bottle that contained a liquid that appeared to be thicker than its content description, officials said.

Leal Valle was taken to a private search room where CBP officers opened the bottles of oil and vinegar and detected an unusual chemical odor, officials said. The liquid tested positive for cocaine, officials said.

Roughly 11 pounds of cocaine found in the six bottles has an approximate street value of $194,000, officials said.

"Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets." said Robert E. Perez, Director of CBP's New York Field Operations. "Our officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances."

Homeland Security is investigating.