U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted 247 pounds of marijuana in four separate smuggling attempts on London-bound flights at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, according to a statement released on March 31.
The seizures highlight ongoing efforts by authorities to prevent illegal drug exports through major airports. Officials said the collective street value of the seized marijuana is about $675,000 in the United States, with prices potentially two to three times higher in Europe.
Officers discovered the drugs during baggage inspections for outbound international flights. On February 6, they found 116 pounds of marijuana in the luggage of two travelers from Baltimore. On March 11, a Los Angeles couple was found with 73 pounds of marijuana and nearly five pounds of hashish. Additional seizures included 29 pounds from a United Kingdom woman on March 16 and another load of 29 pounds from a Baltimore man on March 19.
Two narcotics detector dogs played roles in these operations: Ozzy, an American Black Labrador, alerted officers to one case; Letti, a German Shepherd, assisted with another. The U.K. traveler was removed from the country and barred from returning after being deemed inadmissible. U.S. citizens involved were released while investigations continue and may face charges later.
Adam Rottman, CBP’s area port director in Baltimore said: “If you smuggle drug loads for criminal organizations, we will catch you and you will face criminal consequences. Don’t be a fool and do jail time for uncaring gangs that see you as cheap, disposable labor.” He added that officers are working closely with law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.
CBP officials noted that transnational criminal organizations continue trying to move marijuana through passenger baggage bound for Europe due to high profits overseas despite federal laws prohibiting such exports.
