Euphorigenic hammocks
Four weeks ago, on 5 and 7 August 2021, US customs and border protection officers (CBPOs) in Memphis, TN, selected and examined two shipments manifested as "unsolicited gift handmade hammock with plast." The cargo was being sent from southern Mexico to two residences close to each other in Winston Salem, NC.
The shipments contained bright, multi-coloured woven hammocks. However, anomalies within the hammock handles were detected during an X-Ray, and a CBP K9 was summoned. The K9 provided a positive alert, and the CBPOs cut open the handles, revealing an unknown white powdery substance. It tested positive for cocaine and totalled 3.4 kg.
CBP area port director Michael Neipert: "Cocaine is an extreme stimulant so it’s ironic it was being smuggled in a hammock for relaxing." (ah)