This is relatively new news so I do not have much information on it. The child was traveling alone and I believe was stopped at an airport.

That's all I've heard too.

Either the people that sent her - figured no one would check her luggage...which is absolutely horrendous!

OR

They knew that because she was alone - she would get attention and her luggage would be checked, she'd be taken into custody and she'd get to stay here in the wonderful USA and not have to go back to her home country (wherever that may be) - which could be a fairly magnanimous act by her loved ones....

Hmmm....bet it's the first one ;o)

I've still been trying to catch any updates on this. I would think such an unusual story would have follow-up.

Here is all I can find on this:

5-year-old Colombian girl caught with heroin at airport

Associated Press April 23, 2002 07:45:00

NEW YORK - A 5-year-old girl traveling alone on a flight from Colombia was carrying two suitcases containing more than two pounds of heroin, customs officials said Monday.

The girl arrived unaccompanied at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The drugs were found during a routine check of her baggage, customs officials said.

"This case demonstrates the depths to which trafficking organizations have sunk to ply their deadly trade," said Joe Webber of the U.S. Customs Service office in New York.

Customs officers said they seized nearly 2.3 pounds of heroin from the girl's bags. An investigation is underway to determine who was responsible for sending her to New York. She was turned over to Administration for Child Services.

Can a family be so poor that they would allow their child to do this? It's the only reason I can think of. Of course, Jean, you could be right on with the idea that the parents did this to give the child a new life. It's just baffling to me.

Fran, indeed poverty causes many people around the world to do unthinkable things to survive. Many countries in Asia sell their girls into prostitution when they reach age 11. These children are vitual sex slaves trying to buy themselves out of bondage. Africa thrives on a slave trade as well, richer tribes taking children in exchange for food and goods. 60 Minutes did a special last year on this and I believe either Geraldo or another did a special on young Asian girls who are sold into prostitution.

Americans are very insulated against a great many things in the world.

Sante and Kenny Kimes fit this category. Kenny never stood a chance at a normal life thanks to Sante and Kenny's father.

Thank you, Fran. I couldn't remember their names - yes, Kenny Kimes is most assuredly responsible for his actions. However, I heard his brother discuss life with Sante. After listening to him describe his/Kenny's childhood, tragically he never had a chance at any kind of life, normal or otherwise. His brother said as much adding that had he not been the oldest and able to leave home, he'd probably be in the same place.

But one has to admit that a woman like Sante Kimes fascinates. She was many things to many people. And she's certainly not the first, nor unfortunately will she be the last, mother to so treat her offspring because of her absolute selfishness, greed, insensitivity and abuse of power.

why anyone would need to sell kids beats me. 75% of the world people living in poverty are poor because they wont, not cant, work hard enough to earn a decent living. Whoever made this child do this should be put in an institution to get their minds on normal people level. Theoropy or something of that nature is what I recomend.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!