Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police arrested a Texas woman on November 23 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered over 71 pounds of marijuana in her baggage at Washington Dulles International Airport.

The suspect, Du Li Park, aged 30 from The Colony, Texas, faces charges including felony possession with intent to distribute, transporting controlled substances into the Commonwealth, and narcotics conspiracy.

The discovery occurred when CBP officers were inspecting luggage for a London-bound flight late on November 22. They found two hard-sided suitcases containing large vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana. Officers identified Park through baggage tags and escorted her along with the suitcases to CBP’s inspection station. A total of 60 vacuum-sealed bags containing approximately 32.52 kilograms (71 pounds and 11 ounces) of marijuana were extracted.

The street value of the seized marijuana is estimated at up to $330,000 in the United States but could be worth two to three times more in London depending on potency.

Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C., stated: “Bulk marijuana smuggling is illegal, and Customs and Border Protection will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.” He further warned that those attempting such acts might find themselves "on the losing end" of their gamble for extra cash.

Federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines or exporting it from the U.S., yet CBP has noticed a trend where U.S.-based growers ship high-quality marijuana to Europe and Africa due to higher prices abroad. While typically seen in smaller parcels, there are instances where travelers carry suitcase loads as well.

This incident follows other recent arrests involving attempts to smuggle large quantities of marijuana or hashish internationally. These include arrests made by MWAA Police earlier this year involving travelers bound for Europe with significant amounts of these substances.

CBP officers seize an average of 2,339 pounds of dangerous drugs daily at various ports nationwide. Their mission includes screening international travelers and cargo for illicit goods that could harm public safety or economic stability.

For further updates from CBP’s Baltimore Field Office follow @DFOBaltimore on Twitter or @cbpfieldops on Instagram.