Cocaine Hidden In Airplane; Long Island Airline Mechanic Charged

HICKSVILLE, NY — An airline mechanic from Hicksville was charged with trying to smuggle bricks of cocaine that were found in an external mechanical compartment of an airplane, federal prosecutors announced Monday.

Paul Belloisi, 52, an American Airlines mechanic at John F. Kennedy International Airport, appeared Monday in federal court via teleconference on charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to import cocaine and importation of cocaine.

Belloisi was arrested Feb. 5 and released on a $300,000 bond. A grand jury in Central Islip indicted him last month.

On Feb. 4, an American Airlines flight arrived at the airport from Montego Bay, Jamaica. A routine search by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers uncovered about 25 pounds of cocaine bricks that were hidden behind an insulation blanket in an external mechanical compartment beneath the aircraft, federal prosecutors said. Authorities then began watching the aircraft from a distance.

Just before the aircraft was scheduled to depart, Belloisi approached the plane and entered the compartment containing the cocaine, authorities said. Officers confronted him once he got out and found that Belloisi had handled the area where the bricks were concealed. Belloisi also carried an empty tool bag to the plane and had cutouts in the lining of his jacket, authorities said. Together, they were large enough to hold the cocaine bricks.

"As alleged, this airline mechanic abused his position as a trusted employee and his access to sensitive areas of JFK Airport to participate in the clandestine importation of cocaine," U.S. Richad Attorney Donoghue said in a news release. "These charges will serve as a warning that federal law enforcement authorities remain vigilant in protecting the security of our borders and fighting the scourge of international narcotics trafficking."

Homeland Scurity Investigations Special Agent-in-Charge Peter Fitzhugh said Belloisi was an "inside man," who moved more than 25 pounds of cocaine from Jamaica to New York.

"HSI and CBP’s joint efforts continue to stem these threats to our aviation industry by which perpetuate the international movement of contraband through our airports," he said. 'HSI will continue to persistently investigate and dismantle these criminal enterprises working with our law enforcement and airline partners."

If convicted, Belloisi faces a sentence of up to life in prison.