Canadian man pleads guilty to importing cocaine into US

NEWARK, N.J. – A Canadian man pleaded guilty Tuesday to smuggling more than 800 grams of cocaine into the United States from the Republic of Costa Rica. The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Azariah Wilson, 24, pleaded guilty Jan. 24 before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini to one count of importing 500 grams or more of cocaine into the country.

According to court documents, Wilson ingested 56 pellets containing cocaine before boarding a flight from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Newark Liberty International Airport. Wilson flew from San Jose transporting 882.8 grams of cocaine. He admitted that he intended to travel to Newark Liberty International Airport, and from there to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, with the cocaine concealed in his body. When Wilson arrived at the airport in Newark, he was apprehended by law enforcement.

Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine. He remains in federal custody awaiting a May 2, 2012, sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dara Aquila Govan.