Authorities at Dulles International Airport made a significant drug bust on Thursday, arresting two individuals for smuggling more than 70 pounds of marijuana within their checked luggage.
The culprits, identified as 33-year-old Kaliq Talib McCallister and 28-year-old Christian Tyler Knight from Las Vegas, Nevada, faced arrest by Virginia State Police. Charges against them include felony possession with intent to distribute, alongside transportation and narcotics conspiracy, according to CBP’s statement.
Investigations revealed that the duo was en route to Paris, France, via Iceland, with the contraband concealed in three suitcases. The intent, as per the authorities, was to capitalize on the higher market value of high-quality cannabis in France compared to the U.S.
Marc E. Calixte, the Area Port Director for CBP in Washington, D.C., emphasized the risk and illegality of smuggling marijuana across borders, praising the vigilance of Customs officers in thwarting such activities. He affirmed the continued commitment to hold smugglers accountable in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
The seized stash consisted of 68 vacuum-sealed bags, totaling 72 pounds and 15 ounces of marijuana. Its estimated street value is around $350,000 in the U.S., with expectations of a higher valuation in the Parisian market.
In highlighting the broader context, CBP disclosed that an average of 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs are intercepted daily across various U.S. ports of entry, underscoring the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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