An abandoned suitcase was turned over to the lost and found at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, and it led to the arrest of three persons, after an attempt was made to claim the bag. The three persons were charged with various drug crimes, including the transportation of drugs from California to Louisiana.
Officials at the airport alerted local police about the suitcase. According to the arrest report, investigators from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office went to the airport and opened the suitcase. Inside, they found 9.92 pounds of marijuana.
One day later, a woman who apparently resides in California appeared to reclaim the bag. Investigators arrested her and questioned her about the bag. The woman allegedly told investigators that she was going to receive $1,000 for delivering the bag to a contact in New Orleans.
Investigators released the woman so that she could complete the transaction. When the man and the woman who were the alleged recipients of the drugs showed up, all three were arrested. The drug purchasers had $3,600 between them.
The woman who transported the drugs was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. She was later released. The man and the woman were charged with conspiracy to possess or distribute drugs.
The evidence against the three defendants may appear to be strong, but each of the three is entitled to a presumption of innocent, unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone facing similar charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for advice about the facts and law that will govern the case and for an estimate of the likelihood of obtaining a favorable plea agreement or outright acquittal.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune, “10 pounds of marijuana found in suitcase at Louis Armstrong airport,” Michelle Hunter, July 5, 2017