Ivan Van Beverhoudt, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for importing and possessing over 15 kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute. The sentence follows his conviction for these crimes.
“Van Beverhoudt betrayed his badge by committing one of the very crimes he was entrusted to prevent—smuggling dangerous drugs into our country,” stated U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. He emphasized that law enforcement officers who misuse their authority will face severe consequences.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama, highlighted the serious repercussions for law enforcement officers who breach trust. He noted that Van Beverhoudt’s actions were a significant violation, and due to collaborative efforts with partners, he will serve a lengthy prison term.
According to court information presented by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg: On January 10, 2020, Van Beverhoudt boarded a flight from St. Thomas to Atlanta carrying 16 bricks of cocaine in his carry-on bags while traveling in an official capacity with his CBP-issued firearm to bypass TSA screening in St. Thomas. Upon arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, a narcotics K-9 officer detected the cocaine in his luggage.
On February 24, 2025, after a five-day jury trial, Van Beverhoudt was convicted on multiple charges including conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On July 8, 2025, United States District Judge J.P. Boulee handed down the sentence of 20 years imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert, Bret R. Hobson, and Laurel B. Milam led the prosecution.
The U.S Attorney’s Office in Atlanta advises parents and children about drug dangers through www.justthinktwice.gov.
For more information contact the Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185 or visit http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
