Woman Indicted For Drug Smuggling At Logan Airport

BOSTON - A Massachusetts woman has been charged with smuggling cocaine through Logan Airport.

On June 16, 2014, Laura Santana, 26, of East Boston, was stopped at Logan International Airport as she returned from the Dominican Republic with two empty purses, one in her suitcase and another in a handbag. It is alleged that each purse was heavier than an empty purse should have been, and the Customs and Border Protection Officers felt something sewn into the lining of the purses.

According to documents filed with the court, when the linings were cut open, six packets of a powdery substance, wrapped in dark blue mimeograph paper and clear tape, were found. Preliminary testing revealed that the substance was cocaine. The indictment charges Santana with unlawful import of a controlled substance.

The maximum sentence under the statute is 20 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Bruce M. Foucart, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Thomas E. Kanwit of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

The details contained in the Indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.