Feds: US mail carrier distributed cocaine packages

NEWARK, New Jersey (AP) -- U.S. authorities say a mail carrier regularly received and distributed cocaine shipments in falsely addressed packages along her route on behalf of a drug trafficking organization based in Puerto Rico.

Christina Nunez is scheduled to make a court appearance in federal court Tuesday in New Jersey. The 30-year-old is charged with conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine and mail theft.

Federal prosecutors say Nunez has been receiving packages of cocaine that were sent to addresses along her route or to her home since December 2010. Prosecutors say she would pass the drug on to co-conspirators.

They say she was responsible for moving more than 18 kilograms of cocaine.

It's not clear if Nunez has hired a lawyer.