Two women were arrested at Philadelphia International Airport after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered 114 pounds of marijuana in their luggage bound for London. Anetta Rachell Collins, 49, from Ventura, California, and Ty Taanetia Anettra Angel Mason, 24, from Las Vegas, Nevada, face felony drug possession charges.
The discovery occurred during a routine inspection of baggage being loaded onto a flight to London. Officers found vacuum-sealed bags containing a green leafy substance in four suitcases. CBP narcotics detector dog Fredo signaled the presence of drugs in these bags.
Officers identified the owners of the luggage at the departure gate and took them to the CBP inspection station for further examination. A total of 102 vacuum-sealed bags were tested and confirmed positive for marijuana. The seized marijuana weighed approximately 51.7 kilograms or 114 pounds with an estimated street value of $580,000 in Philadelphia. In London, this amount could fetch two to three times more depending on potency.
Agents from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office working with Homeland Security Investigation's Border Enforcement Security Task Force took custody of Collins, Mason, and the confiscated marijuana.
Cleatus Hunt, CBP’s Area Port Director for Philadelphia, stated: “Bulk marijuana smuggling is illegal, and Customs and Border Protection will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.”
CBP has noted an ongoing trend where U.S.-based growers and retailers export marijuana to Europe and Africa due to higher prices abroad. While smaller parcels are common, instances like this involving travelers with large quantities are occasionally encountered.
CBP plays a critical role in border security by screening international travelers and cargo for illicit items including narcotics and other contraband that threaten public safety.
