NEWARK, N.J. - A woman from Puerto Rico was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for trying to smuggle 2.9 kilograms of cocaine through Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
Kenia Diaz, 24, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton to an indictment charging her with one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 22, 2013, Diaz arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on a flight from Puerto Rico. During a routine inspection, a canine detected a controlled substance inside Diaz’s suitcase. After searching the suitcase, agents recovered approximately 2.9 kilograms of cocaine.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton ordered Diaz to serve three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Fishman praised special agents of the DEA, Newark Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office General Crimes Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Kevin Carlucci Esq., Newark
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
