U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Northridge, identified as Raj Matharu, has been indicted for allegedly attempting to transport methamphetamine concealed in clothing items through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Australia. The indictment was announced today.
Matharu, aged 31, faces a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His arraignment is scheduled for December 2 at the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He is currently free on a $10,000 bond.
"Drug dealers are continually inventing creative ways of smuggling dangerous narcotics in pursuit of illicit profit – as alleged in the facts of this case," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "In the process, they are poisoning communities throughout the world. Law enforcement is committed to fighting drug trafficking, knowing that every seizure saves lives."
Court documents reveal that on November 6, Matharu attempted to board a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. At the ticket counter, he checked two suitcases—a pink one and a gray one—which raised suspicions during X-ray screening due to irregularities detected by officers.
Upon further inspection of the luggage, authorities discovered over a dozen pieces of clothing covered with a white residue and dried stiff. A field test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine. The combined weight of these clothes was approximately 32.4 kilograms (71.5 pounds), from which more than one kilogram of methamphetamine residue was extracted.
Matharu was intercepted on the jet bridge before boarding his flight and subsequently arrested.
The indictment alleges criminal activity but does not equate to guilt; Matharu remains presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
If convicted, Matharu could face a minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment under federal law.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from United States Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Diane Roldán is prosecuting the case.
