Puerto Rican Woman Admits Smuggling Cocaine Into New Jersey

NEWARK, N.J. – A woman from Puerto Rico today admitted trying to smuggle 2.9 kilograms of cocaine through Newark Liberty International Airport, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Kenia Diaz, 24, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an indictment charging her with one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. 

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.

The narcotics charge to which Diaz pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2015.

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

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