Ivan Van Beverhoudt, 45, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been convicted for his role in importing and possessing more than 16 kilograms of cocaine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced today.
Van Beverhoudt, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, was found guilty of several charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine, importation of cocaine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Court documents reveal that Van Beverhoudt boarded a commercial flight from St. Thomas to Atlanta on January 10, 2020, carrying 16 bricks of cocaine in two carry-on bags. While traveling in his official capacity as a CBP officer, he was able to bypass TSA screening in St. Thomas, carrying his CBP-issued firearm.
Upon arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a trained narcotics K-9 alerted to his luggage during a routine check. A search of his bags revealed the cocaine.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. commented on the case, stating, “Van Beverhoudt used his trusted position as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to circumvent the law and smuggle dangerous drugs into our community.” He also acknowledged the crucial role of law enforcement partners in bringing Van Beverhoudt to justice.
Van Beverhoudt now faces sentencing, with the U.S. sentencing guidelines offering ranges for consideration. The court will take these into account in determining his actual sentence.