A 23-year-old man who allegedly bribed a Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) official to assist him in smuggling suitcases of marijuana onto a cross country flight was apprehended and arrested by the officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The accused is said to be the son of a prior fire chief in Los Angeles and the sibling of a current member of the L.A. Airport Police department; however, the FBI stated that neither family members knew of his activities trafficking or selling illicit drugs, according to a document about the case.
According to reporting by the Los Angeles Times, the man allegedly paid a 28-year-old Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) female officer to permit bags filled with pot to pass through security inspections. The smuggling run was busted when a baggage official for American Airlines caught the pungent odor of marijuana emanating from a suitcase already checked for a Boston flight. After alerting other TSA officials about the bags, which had been loaded on the plane, they were removed and searched. Approximately 15 pounds of pot was found bundled in plastic wrap. The man was then removed from the plane by the FBI and interrogated. On this specific run, the FBI claimed the man planned to sell the marijuana in Boston, on the other end of the flight.
The man told the FBI during interrogation that he executed nine comparable smuggling runs, and paid $500 to the same TSA official for her assistance on a per bag basis. The FBI said the TSA officer's job responsibilities included checking luggage for any illicit or dangerous materials through an x-ray apparatus, and then searching them if an alarm sounds. Both individuals charged in the matters were released on $20,000 bonds each and set for arraignment on November 14.
Committing any violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act within sections 11357-11362.9, pertaining to marijuana offenses, of the California Health and Safety Code can lead to severe consequences, especially for repeat offenders. If you've been charged with drug trafficking or possessing drugs with intent to sell in Los Angeles County, contact the Los Angeles drug crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Daniel Kann for experienced and vigilant legal representation. Call (310)593-2435 for a complimentary consultation.
Source: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-18/justice/justice_california-airport-drug-bust_1_drug-scheme-tsa-officers-fbi?_s=PM:JUSTICE
