The illegal drug commonly known here as "ice" was found disguised as ice cubes in a "portable ice box" carried by a traveler from South Korea, according to federal agents from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Young Ho Kim's luggage was given a "detailed examination" Friday after agents at the airport "observed live eels" in it, according to an affidavit filed in court by Drug Enforcement Administration agent Brenda McDonough. "Transport of live seafood without a permit is illegal under federal law," McDonough explained in the affidavit.

The more detailed search was conducted by ICE agents, who noticed Kim was acting nervously, she said in the affidavit.

"ICE personnel became suspicious of the ice contained within a portable ice box, which had not melted during Kim's travels of over 10 hours," the agent said.

"ICE personnel examining the ice cubes observed that their appearance was inconsistent with that of normal water-based ice cubes."

The suspicious cubes tested positive for methamphetamine, McDonough said.

Kim is being held without bail at the Federal Detention Center on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang initially ruled that Kim is a flight risk because he is a foreign national and faces a possible sentence of 10 years in prison.

Another detention hearing is scheduled tomorrow.