NYC Man Gets Sweetheart Deal For Drug Smuggling

Adderly Rafael Santos Familia was busted at the baggage claim at Terminal 8 on Dec. 14, 2022 after his American Airlines flight arrived from Puna Cana, Dominican Republic, federal prosecutors have said. Santos Familia was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who questioned him before searching through a black backpack, duffel bag and a rolling suitcase that had been checked, court papers said. The officers found two neck pillows — one green and one black — that felt heavier they should be, prompting inspectors to cut them open. Inside they found “small white packets of a white substance,” which the dad blamed on his kids. Santos Familia was facing up to seven years behind bars when he pleaded guilty to one count of cocaine importation on Jan. 23 — but Judge Rachel Kovner gave him just 18 months based on his lack-of-criminal record and playing an “important role” within his family, who were present for the proceeding.