Customs agents seized more than six pounds of cocaine last week that two smugglers tried to take into Newark Liberty International Airport

Customs agents seized more than six pounds of cocaine last week that two smugglers tried to take into Newark Liberty International Airport, including some that was hidden inside deflated soccer balls, the government announced today.

On Thursday, customs agents were inspecting Heber Razuri Leon’s luggage after the 46-year-old Peruvian citizen had arrived at the airport from Peru, the agency said. What they found were four pair of sandals and four deflated soccer balls that were unusually heavy, and later determined to be filled with 4.9 pounds of cocaine.

Razuri Leon was also charged with smuggling and drug offenses. The total street value of the drugs was put at more than $300,000.

The bust came one day after agents arrested Daniela Mastromarino, 29, an Italian citizen, after she arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on a flight from Costa Rica, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said. The agency said she was trying to smuggle 1.2 pounds of cocaine in a false bottom of her suitcase.

The border patrol turned over Razuri Leon and Mastromarino to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Officials said the two will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Newark. K. Both defendants are being represented by federal public defenders. K. Anthony Thomas, who is representing Razuri Leon, declined to comment on the charges.