In a significant drug bust, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport seized nearly 43 pounds of marijuana from the luggage of a passenger headed for Manchester, England. The seizure occurred on April 18, 2024, as part of a routine inspection.
Lakedra Hamilton, a 26-year-old resident of Houston, Texas, was intercepted by CBP while attempting to board a flight to Ireland, en route to the United Kingdom. The marijuana was discovered concealed in vacuum-sealed bags within clothing in two hard-sided suitcases. Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police subsequently charged Hamilton with felony possession with intent to distribute.
The marijuana, totaling approximately 19.497 kilograms, is valued at up to $200,000 in the U.S. market, with potential earnings two to three times that amount in London due to high demand for quality cannabis.
Marc E. Calixte, CBP Area Port Director for Washington, D.C., emphasized the commitment to curbing drug trafficking, stating, “This arrest and seizure underline our resolve to prevent illegal drug movements and prosecute those involved aggressively.”
This incident is part of a growing trend of smuggling bulk marijuana and hashish to Europe, highlighting increased vigilance by CBP in combating international drug trafficking. CBP officers continue to monitor and seize significant quantities of drugs at the nation’s ports, playing a critical role in maintaining U.S. border security and public safety.
