He’ll be off the naughty list fast.
A Queens dad who smuggled nearly $90,000 worth of cocaine through stuffed Santa Claus dolls at JFK Airport got an early Christmas present Thursday when he got just 18 months in prison on a plea deal.
Adderly Rafael Santos Familia, 32, sported a jolly grin outside Brooklyn Federal Court after admitting to smuggling four-and-a-half kilos of cocaine through his luggage at the Queens airport around Christmas 2022.
The father of three 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.
Two stuffed Santa dolls were also recovered — and they contained packets of cocaine, prosecutors said.
Other luggage — including Santos Familia’s backpack and duffel bag — had the white substance in fabric panels hidden in the lining of his belongings, prosecutors said.
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.
His attorney, Karume James, described Santos Familia as a “hard working father” immigrant from the Domincan Republic working two jobs to supports his family and children — before asking the judge to sentence him on time served.
Santos Familia expressed remorse for holiday drug smuggling.
“Now I repented for what I did. I really regret it and I have a beautiful family who has always been with me,” Santos Familia said through an interpreter, before asking for “forgiveness” and apologizing.
He will have to surrender in 60 days following the sentencing.
His lawyer declined to comment.
