PUERTO RICO COUPLE CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING COCAINE THROUGH CYRIL KING AIRPORT

St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced that Pedro Negron-Rodriguez, 21, and Emma Mueses-Dilone, 19, both of Puerto Rico, were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. United States Magistrate released both Negron-Rodgriguez and Mueses-Dilone on $25,000.00 unsecured bonds pending trial in this matter. If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00.

According to court records, on September 29, 2023, Negron-Rodgriguez and Mueses-Dilone were ticketed passengers on Spirit Airlines departing St. Thomas to Orlando, FL, with a final destination of Philadelphia, PA. During inspection by Customs and Border Protection, officers recovered eight kilograms of cocaine from Mueses-Dilone’s suitcase. Prior to the search, Dilone confirmed that she personally packed the suitcase and that the suitcase belonged to her. Negron-Rodriguez and Mueses-Dilone also confirmed that they were traveling together.

This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigation and Customs and Border Protection and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne.

United States Attorney Delia L. Smith reminds the public that a complaint is merely an allegation, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.