BABIES USED AS SMUGGLING COVER

CHICAGO (AP) - A woman has admitted to smuggling heroin and cocaine in
infant formula cans and said she twice used babies as props to ease
the suspicions of customs inspectors.

Donna Washington, 50, of Chicago pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S.
District Court to one count of smuggling heroin from Panama and a
second count of smuggling liquid cocaine.

In a written plea agreement, she said she had gotten one of the babies
from her daughter, Kim, and another had been ``rented'' from the
child's aunt by unnamed individuals who paid her.

The ploy failed when customs officials in Atlanta became suspicious in
May 1999 and opened the cans of infant formula. The woman had arrived
in Atlanta from Panama and had planned to fly on to Chicago.

Eleven people have been charged so far in what federal prosecutors
describe as a ring that includes other women who used babies as props
at customs stops. Seven have pleaded guilty and others may be charged,
prosecutors said.

Washington faces up to nine years in prison, but prosecutors are
offering a reduced sentence if she cooperates in the investigation.
Another hearing is set for Aug. 15.