Customs agent took nearly 40 pounds of cocaine to Atlanta airport, feds say

ATLANTA — A Customs and Border Protection Officer smuggled more than a dozen bricks of cocaine from the U.S. Virgin Islands into the United States after he was allowed to bypass security because of his job, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The scheme was foiled after Ivan Van Beverhoudt's flight arrived at Atlanta's airport and a K-9 sniffed out the drugs in his carry-on luggage on Jan. 10, officials said in a news release. The bricks of cocaine amounted to 17.8 kilograms (39.2 pounds), authorities said.

“This officer allegedly abused his office to engage in criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Federal law enforcement officers take an oath to uphold the law. When an officer violates that oath, he or she will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Beverhoudt, 40, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, was recently arraigned on multiple charges including intending to distribute cocaine and having a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

“CBP officers take an Oath of Office, a solemn pledge that conveys great responsibility and one that should be carried out at all times with the utmost professionalism,” stated Todd Bellew, Area Port Director in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. “Inappropriate behavior or misconduct is not tolerated, and does not reflect our values of vigilance, integrity and professionalism.”

“Van Beverhoudt allegedly abused his position as U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer to smuggle drugs through the world’s busiest airport,” said DHS OIG’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronnie Tippett. “The public deserves better – they deserve officers who obey the laws that they are entrusted to enforce.”

His lawyer did not immediately return messages seeking comment Tuesday, but court records show that he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this week.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report

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