Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
$87K Worth Of Cocaine Found Hidden In A Picture Frame, Coasters & More At Newark Airport
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 8, 2015
Modified Jun 8, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 8, 2015
Modified Jun 8, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
You can put it in your custard, you can put it in your bum. You can bake it into cookies, or stir it into rum. Goat meat, Sponge Bob, diapers, wine. Sneaking cocaine thru an airport? Don't even waste your time.
Late last month, after Karlo Oscata flew into Newark from Lima, Peru, authorities wondered why his luggage was so heavy. According to Customs officials, Oscata's luggage included a picture frame, two jars, a glass bottle, and six wooden coasters.
All of the items contained cocaine, totaling five pounds, which the government estimates is worth $87,000. Oscata, a U.S. citizen, now faces charges for narcotics smuggling.
Tagged
cocaine
newark airport
original
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Archdiocese will soon settle $800M clergy sexual abuse claims
The deal would compensate over 1,300 alleged victims and help the church avoid bankruptcy.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Oct 24, 2026 at 6:31 p.m. ET
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
News
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .