- In 2013, ICE launched ‘Operation Cocoon’ to disrupt international drug trafficking.
- However, many elderly Americans have been convicted during the operation via romance and business scams whereby they’re convinced to travel to foreign countries to receive and unknowingly carry drug-lined suitcases.
- The operation has resulted in 180 Americans being arrested at airports; 70% were older than 60.
- Seeking a promised $10M windfall, in 2019 78-year old Virginia native Victor Stemberger (pictured) was tricked into carrying a drug-lined suitcase from Brazil to Spain (currently serving 7-year prison sentence in Spain).
