(Baltimore, MD) -- An investigation is underway following the discovery of 32 pounds of marijuana at BWI Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say on February 25, officials discovered the load inside of a suitcase destined for London.
The traveler, a 22-year-old woman from California, was identified by the baggage tag.
According to a media release, CBP officers extracted 30 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana, a street value of as much as $150,000 in the United States.
No charges have been filed at this time.
Officials note a growing trend of U.S.-based growers and retailers shipping marijuana to Europe and Africa, where high-quality weed can fetch prices many times higher than in the U.S.
“Marijuana may be decriminalized in some states; however, bulk smuggling remains illegal federally, and Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to seize marijuana when we encounter it,” said Adam Rottman, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore.“Smugglers gamble with their freedom to chase a few extra bucks. Despite this traveler not being criminally charged, CBP officers will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.”
