Two Baltimore residents were charged with felony narcotics offenses after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted about 57 pounds of marijuana in their baggage at Washington Dulles International Airport on April 16, according to a May 2 announcement.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs through airports. Authorities say such attempts are part of a larger trend involving transnational criminal organizations seeking higher profits for marijuana in Europe.
Carl Caran Raashad Henson, 31, and Tilesha Kelly Theresa Coles, 31, were identified as the travelers whose checked bags contained multiple black vacuum-sealed packages. Officers found the two individuals at their departure gate for a London-bound flight and brought them back to the inspection station. The green leafy substance inside fifty vacuum-sealed bags tested positive for marijuana and had an estimated street value of $220,000. The pair was turned over to Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police for prosecution on charges including possession with intent to distribute more than five pounds of marijuana and conspiracy.
Area Port Director Christine Waugh said: “Transnational criminal organizations continue to carelessly profit on the misfortune of others by paying them peanuts to smuggle marijuana to Europe for higher profits. Instead of peanuts, these mules will be earning jail time and a criminal record.” Waugh also said: “These arrests should be a wake-up call to would be smugglers that Customs and Border Protection officers will find you and we will work with our law enforcement partners to hold you accountable.”
Officials noted that while some states have decriminalized or legalized marijuana use under state law, it remains illegal under federal law—including transporting it across state lines or exporting it from the United States. CBP reports recent seizures in Baltimore totaling 247 pounds in four London-bound loads and another seizure in Philadelphia involving 97 pounds destined for London and Frankfurt.
CBP says its officers nationwide seized an average of about 1,600 pounds of dangerous drugs daily last year at air, sea, and land ports of entry. The agency describes itself as America’s frontline—the largest law enforcement organization in the country—responsible for protecting borders on land, air, and sea.