The New York-born bachata singer was boarding a flight at Santo Domingo’s international airport in the Dominican Republic Nov. 1 when customs officials and narcotics cops pulled him aside for “strange behavior” reports the Associated Press.

X-rays of the singer’s abdomen quickly determined that Bauer had allegedly swallowed several pellets filled with cocaine.

Apparently two or more of the capsules had burst, probably causing the singer more digestive discomfort than those complimentary bags of pretzels handed out on most flights.

Authorities took Bauer to the hospital where 88 pellets containing cocaine were allegedly extracted from his stomach.

At this time Bauer’s medical status is not known. He is currently guarded by three drug enforcement officers.

Click here to read the Associated Press article.