2 Sentenced For Trying To Smuggle Cocaine Through CLT Airport

The Latest:

AP — Two Jamaican men have received prison time in separate cases for trying to smuggle cocaine through North Carolina in their suitcases.

Federal prosecutors said in a news release that Keshon Kevino Hawthorne flew into Charlotte on his way to New York with cocaine hidden in two suitcases last year. He received 33 months in prison Thursday after previously pleading guilty to cocaine-related charges.

Prosecutors say Christopher Anthony Samuels was sentenced to 30 months in prison this week on cocaine-related charges. Authorities say they found bags containing cocaine hidden in the liners of his suitcase when he flew into Charlotte, also on his way to New York last year.

Defense attorneys didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Prosecutors say both cases resulted from a Homeland Security airport drug initiative.

Original Story (Feb. 19, 2019):

CHARLOTTE, NC — A Jamaican national pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges Tuesday after being detained at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in November of 2018.

Christopher Samuels, 37, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, was arrested on November 6th while connecting a flight in Charlotte bound for New York City. Officials say U.S. Custom and Border Protection officers found two kilograms of cocaine hidden within his suitcases’ bottom liners while scanning luggage at the Port of Entry in Charlotte.

Court documents say Samuels admitted in court Tuesday that he intended to deliver the drugs to co-conspirators in New Jersey.

Samuels reportedly pleaded guilty to charges of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Unlawful Importation of Cocaine.

Officials say he faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. Samuels could also face a $5 million fine and possible deportation.

His sentencing date has not yet been announced.