Cocaine Worth $90K Seized at BWI, Jamaican Woman Arrested

HANOVER, MD — Three pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $90,000 were reportedly seized from a Jamaican woman's bags at Baltimore Washington International Airport Monday, authorities said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Trudian James, 30, after they discovered the narcotics when she arrived at BWI. Customs officers turned the cocaine and James to the Maryland State Police for prosecution.

During a secondary baggage examination, Customs officers noticed that the bottom of James' suitcase was unusually thick, according to a news release. An X-ray detected a mass, which officers probed and discovered the white, powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.

The cocaine and packaging weighed about 1300 grams or nearly 2 pounds, 14 ounces.

James was charged with several drug offenses.

“Transnational criminal organizations employ many unique concealment methods to smuggle their deadly drugs into the United States, and Customs and Border Protection officers must remain vigilant to stop these attempts,” said Dianna Bowman, CBP Area Port Director for the Area Port of Baltimore. “We’re hopeful that this arrest sends a strong message that CBP officers in Baltimore remain committed to intercepting illicit narcotics before it can reach our communities.”

»Photo of seized cocaine at BWI Airport, courtesy of U.S. Customs