A Northridge, California, man was indicted on Tuesday after reportedly attempting to check two suitcases into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with methamphetamine-laced clothing, including a cow pajama onesie, according to officials.
Raj Matharu, 31, has been charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to the Department of Justice.
“Drug dealers are continually inventing creative ways of smuggling dangerous narcotics in pursuit of illicit profit – as alleged in the facts of this case,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated. “In the process, they contaminate communities around the world. Law enforcement is dedicated to combating drug trafficking, understanding that each arrest saves lives.
Court filings state that Matharu landed at LAX on November 6 to board a trip to Sydney, Australia.
When he arrived, he checked in two suitcases: pink and gray.
Screening police ran X-rays on the suitcases, which allegedly detected “irregularities,” causing officials to withdraw the luggage for further scrutiny.
When authorities opened the suitcases for further examination, they discovered over a dozen white and light-colored clothing that were covered in a white substance and had dried stiff.
Law enforcement officials analyzed a sample of the residue, which allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to the DOJ, the garments with methamphetamine caked inside it weighed approximately 71.5 pounds (32.4 kg).
The DOJ also revealed that Matharu’s bags contained an additional kilogram of methamphetamine traces.
Matharu was about to board his trip to Australia when cops detained him, and he was later arrested.
Matharu has been indicted and will be arraigned on December 2 in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He is currently free on a $10,000 bond.
If convicted, he faces a required minimum term of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life.
