A California man was arrested in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday for allegedly trying to smuggle methamphetamine into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Raj Matharu, 39, was supposed to ride in it United Airlines Flight when security officials discovered the drugs, as reported by CNN.
Law enforcement officials stopped Matharu at the gate. He admitted that the suitcase was his. He was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The drug was hidden in two suitcases, one pink and one gray, which Matharu checked in. During routine X-ray screening, officials noticed an irregularity in the luggage. On further investigation, they found clothes, including cowhide, which looked stiff and coated in white powder. More than 70 pounds of clothing were coated in meth. Tests confirmed the powder to be methamphetamine. Officers recovered more than one kilogram of the drug.
“Drug dealers are constantly finding creative ways to smuggle dangerous narcotics in order to make illegal profits — as alleged in the facts of this case,” said US Attorney Martin Estrada.
Court records indicate the clothes were soaked in methamphetamine and left to dry, a common smuggling tactic. Matharu was released on $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday for a hearing.
