Crystal meth found smuggled in luggage at LAX, woman arrested

A 27-year-old San Ysidro woman was arrested when federal customs agents discovered more than 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the lining of her suitcase at Los Angeles Inteational Airport, authorities said Wednesday.

The woman’s hidden cargo was found July 18 when she arrived from Guadalajara, Mexico, and was referred for secondary inspection because of her nervous behavior, authorities said.

An inspection found a false compartment containing tape-wrapped packages of crystalized methamphetamine.

“Once again, the training, expertise and commitment of our LAX CBP officers prevented dangerous narcotics from entering and harming our community,” CBP Los Angeles Area Port Director Mitchell Merriam said in a statement.

Officials estimated the drugs to be worth $160,000.

The woman was arrested and tued over to special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. Her name was not released.

— Larry Altman

Advertisement