A Texas woman was arrested on November 23rd after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over 71 pounds of cannabis hidden in her luggage at Washington Dulles International Airport, according to the agencies press release.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police charged Du Li Park, 30, of The Colony, Texas, with felony possession with intent to distribute, transporting controlled substances, and narcotics conspiracy.
CBP officers inspecting baggage for a London-bound flight found two hard-sided suitcases containing large, vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis. A total of 60 vacuum-sealed bags were found, containing a combined weight of 71 pounds and 11 ounces of marijuana. The estimated street value of the marijuana is $330,000 in the United States, but could have fetched two to three times that amount in London, according to CBP.
“Bulk marijuana smuggling is illegal,” said Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C. “This seizure highlights the ongoing effort by CBP to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.”
Federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines or exporting it from the United States. CBP has observed a recent trend of U.S. travelers attempting to smuggle large quantities of marijuana to Europe, where prices can be significantly higher.
This arrest is the latest in a series of similar cases at Dulles Airport. In recent months, authorities have apprehended travelers attempting to smuggle marijuana and hashish to Europe in amounts ranging from 43 to 88 pounds.
