NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- A 38-year-old man is facing up to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty on Tuesday to smuggling over 6 pounds of cocaine through Newark Airport.
Perez Omar Gibbs, of Trelawny, Jamaica, admitted to one count of importation of controlled substances, according to acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig.
Gibbs arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica on Jan. 9 where he was screened by officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, prosecutors said.
The officers searched his belongings and discovered the cocaine concealed inside four coffee bags and four picture frames, according to the criminal complaint.
He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
