CHICAGO, IL – A woman traveling from South America was taken into custody at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered a significant quantity of cocaine hidden within her wheelchair. Elaine Perez-Pena was en route from Sao Paulo, Brazil, making a stop in Chicago before heading to her final destination in Newark, New Jersey, according to a criminal complaint.
The complaint, filed by a Homeland Security Investigations special agent, states that Perez-Pena is facing charges for “possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.” The complaint details how airport officers allegedly uncovered 14.08 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the cushions of her motorized wheelchair during a secondary inspection on January 25.
The street value of the seized cocaine is estimated between $238,000 and $280,000, based on industry standards that place the worth of one kilogram of cocaine between $17,000 and $20,000, asserts an affidavit supporting the complaint.
Perez-Pena came under scrutiny during her layover due to her past criminal record involving cocaine-related offenses. Officers became suspicious when they noticed the cushions on her wheelchair appeared unusually new. A subsequent X-ray revealed inconsistencies in density and color, prompting further examination.
A narcotics detection dog signaled the presence of drugs, which led officers to conduct a more invasive search. According to the complaint, using a drill on the cushion, officers discovered a white powdery substance. Breaking down the cushions ultimately revealed approximately 14 packages of cocaine, the document claims.
While initially claiming fatigue and leg pain, Perez-Pena demonstrated no apparent mobility issues once in custody, allegedly walking unaided in a holding area. Her criminal history, which includes a guilty plea in 2022 for importing cocaine and distributing over 500 grams, factored into her heightened scrutiny at the airport.
Earlier in 2022, Perez-Pena was also found with nearly 3 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her luggage upon arrival in New York City from the Dominican Republic. In that case, she received a sentence of time served and two years of supervised release.
Perez-Pena’s case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to intercept drug trafficking activities at international transit points. The incident highlights the innovative measures employed by smugglers and the continual adaptation required by enforcement personnel to identify and prevent such illegal actions.
