Mexican national arrested at IAH for heroin smuggling - Houston weather, traffic, news | FOX 26 | MyFoxHouston

Mexican national arrested at IAH for heroin smuggling

Prosecutors have charged a Mexican national on accusations she tried to smuggle heroin through Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Yessica Chanel Cabanillas-Torres, 21, is charged with possession with intent to distribute and importation of one kilogram or more of heroin.

On Oct. 4, Cabanillas-Torres arrived at IAH from Ecuador en route to Newark, New Jersey, the US Attorney's Office says.  Customs and Border Protection officers noticed she was carrying two suitcases.  Neither was filled with many clothes, but both were unusually heavy.

An X-ray revealed a substance inside the inner frame of the luggage.  Officers drilled into the suitcase and found a brown powder which tested positive for heroin.  The second suitcase is being examined.

If convicted, Cabanillas-Torres could get life in prison and a $5-million fine.