Authorities say cocaine traffickers used UPS packages to move more than 66 pounds of cocaine into New York City, New York. Three people are now facing charges after separate investigations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
On August 19, 2026, authorities announced charges against three alleged drug traffickers accused of using UPS package delivery services to smuggle cocaine into New York City
According to investigators, two separate investigations led to the seizure of a combined 30 kilograms, or more than 66 pounds, of cocaine in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York.
Authorities said the cocaine had an estimated street value of $900,000.
In one investigation, officers identified two UPS packages allegedly containing cocaine that were shipped to an address in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The packages were flagged as suspicious at a UPS facility in Queens, where a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics.
On July 15, 2026, an undercover officer posing as a UPS driver encountered 35-year-old Joshua Vargas outside the Brooklyn address. Authorities said Vargas claimed one package, even though it had another name on it.
A court-authorized search of that package led to the discovery of three kilograms of cocaine. Investigators later found eight additional kilograms of cocaine in another package.
In a separate investigation, authorities said a package containing 11 kilograms of cocaine was shipped from California to a UPS store in Kips Bay, Manhattan.
On July 27, 2026, investigators arrested 36-year-old Ines Zouiche after she allegedly received the package inside the UPS store. Authorities said she had a forged Delaware driver’s license.
Investigators also stopped 35-year-old Tyrone Watts, who was allegedly circling the block in a white Audi. Authorities said two children were inside the vehicle, and a black duffle bag contained approximately $4,000 in cash, a vial of cocaine, and two additional Delaware licenses bearing Zouiche’s photo with different names.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
