Local Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Board Flight at Cyril E. King International Airport with a Kilo of Cocaine Strapped to His Waist

St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced that earlier today, Miguel Batista, Jr. pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute in federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2021.

According to court records, on October 12, 2019, Miguel Batista, Jr. was selected for inspection by Customs and Border Protection agents during routine screening at the Cyril E. King International Airport. During the inspection, agents found a vacuum-sealed package of cocaine weighing approximately 1.07 kilograms taped to Batista’s torso which was concealed under a compression shirt and another layer of clothing.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office for the district of the Virgin Islands.