U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted an alleged drug smuggler at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport recently after discovering 42 pounds of marijuana in his checked baggage bound for France.
CBP officers stopped Kash Berthelot, 41, of California at the departure gate in Atlanta and escorted him, along with two suitcases, to the CBP inspection station for further examination. Inside the luggage, officers found four vacuum-sealed packages containing a green leafy substance that field-tested positive for marijuana. The total weight was 19 kilograms, or approximately 42 pounds.
“If you smuggle drugs, you will be caught and face criminal consequences,” said CBP’s Area Port of Atlanta Zachary Thomas. “CBP officers will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold drug mules and criminal organizations accountable.”
Atlanta Police Department officers arrested Berthelot on charges related to trafficking marijuana. He is subject to state prosecution.
The original announcement can be found here.
