PHILADELPHIA, PA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Philadelphia International Airport have apprehended two women who allegedly attempted to smuggle a substantial quantity of marijuana aboard a flight to London. The discovery on October 22, 2024, involved 114 pounds of the illicit substance, resulting in serious felony charges for the individuals involved.
The accused, Anetta Rachell Collins, 49, of Ventura, California, and Ty Taanetia Anettra Angel Mason, 24, of Las Vegas, Nevada, have been charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office with felony possession with intent to distribute. Their apprehension highlights ongoing efforts to curb international drug trafficking.
During routine baggage inspections, CBP officers uncovered the marijuana concealed in vacuum-sealed bags within four soft-sided suitcases destined for London. K9 Fredo, a skilled narcotics detection dog, played a crucial role in identifying the substance, which subsequently tested positive as marijuana.
Upon further inspection at the departure gate, the officers identified and escorted the two travelers associated with the luggage back to the CBP inspection station for a detailed examination. A total of 102 vacuum-sealed bags were counted, containing marijuana with a combined weight of approximately 51.7 kilograms, or 114 pounds. The estimated street value of this seizure in Philadelphia stands at about $580,000, with potential values in Europe reaching two to three times higher, depending on potency.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and Homeland Security’s Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which took custody of the suspects and the seized narcotics.
CBP Area Port Director Cleatus Hunt emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating bulk marijuana smuggling, stating, “Bulk marijuana smuggling is illegal, and Customs and Border Protection will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable. Travelers who gamble with their freedom by smuggling bulk amounts of marijuana for a little extra cash may find themselves on the losing end of that proposition.”
The case spotlights a broader trend observed by CBP, where U.S.-based marijuana is increasingly being trafficked to Europe and Africa, where the market demands significantly higher prices. While smaller parcels are more commonly intercepted, this incident highlights the occasionally larger scale of smuggling attempts.
As the legal process unfolds, it is essential to remember that all allegations remain accusations at this stage, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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