Karelys Colon Sevilla, a 29-year-old resident of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, was sentenced on Mar. 23 to 34 months in prison and five years of supervised release for transporting almost 15 pounds of cocaine in her checked luggage on a commercial flight to Philadelphia. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney David Metcalf and handed down by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge.
The case is significant as it highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to curb drug trafficking through major transportation hubs. Colon Sevilla had been charged in May 2024 with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and pleaded guilty in October.
According to court filings, Homeland Security Investigations received information on February 13, 2024, that Colon Sevilla was flying from Puerto Rico via Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, possibly carrying narcotics in her checked bag. Investigators confirmed she was a ticketed passenger arriving at Philadelphia International Airport and obtained an anticipatory search warrant from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas based on a potential alert from a police K-9.
After the plane arrived at the airport, Pennsylvania State Police K-9 Ivan searched all checked bags from the flight and alerted officers only to one piece of luggage—a blue-gray soft-sided bag tagged with Colon Sevilla’s name and flight details. Upon searching the bag pursuant to the warrant and K-9 alert, investigators found approximately 6.8 kilograms (about 15 pounds) of cocaine.
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Eileen Castilla Geiger prosecuted the case.
This sentencing underscores continued law enforcement focus on intercepting illegal drugs transported through airports.
