US charges 24 with smuggling cocaine hidden in toys out of Puerto Rico airport to mainland
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Authorities in Puerto Rico say they have broken up a drug ring that smuggled cocaine to the mainland in children's toys.
U.S. Attorney Emilia Rodriguez Velez tells reporters that the toy "Lite Brite" was a favorite of the organization. Rodriguez says the toy is easy to open and can hold a kilogram of cocaine. She says the ring also used DVD players.
Rodriguez said Tuesday that 24 members of the organization have been indicted on drug charges.
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Members of the group are suspected of shipping cocaine in their checked luggage from Puerto Rico to several mainland cities, mostly in central Florida.
Puerto Rico has become a major transit point for drugs in recent years as smugglers seek to avoid increased security and turmoil along the U.S.-Mexico border.