ERLANGER, Ky. — Federal officials seized 26 pounds of marijuana hidden in a Jesus statue Friday at the DHL Express cargo facility in Northern Kentucky.
The marijuana was discovered during a morning inspection of the cargo hold, according to a U.S Customs and Border Patrol release. After an X-ray scan, test results confirmed the plastic Jesus figurine was holding marijuana, the release said.
Authorities discovered an estimated $20,000 of marijuana after drilling into the statue. A drug-sniffing dog also alerted authorities to the possible presence of narcotics during a sweep of the facility.
"This unique seizure demonstrates the extraordinary methods individuals will utilize in their attempt to smuggle narcotics," said Cincinnati Port Director Richard L. Gillespie, in a release.
(Copyright Gannett 2014)