Allegedly Allowed Checked Bags Containing Marijuana To Pass Through Security At KLAX

A TSA agent has been accused of taking bribes to allow checked luggage containing marijuana to pass through security checkpoints at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) in 2009 and 2010.

Fox News reports that the charges were filed against 33-year-old Deondre Smith of South Los Angeles. He has been accused of several counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and bribery of a public official.

According to the indictment, Smith allegedly took at least $500 to assure that checked bags filled with pot made it through the security checkpoints. The drugs were flown to charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, where they were distributed.

“Knowing that the luggage contained marijuana, Smith would temporarily take possession of the luggage from the other co-conspirators and either personally escort the luggage through LAX baggage screen checkpoints, or deliver the luggage to make sure the baggage containing marijuana passed through security,” the indictment said.

The indictment says that there were at least nine incidents where Smith either personally escorted the bags through security at KLAX, or delivered the luggage in order to assure that they passed through security, in 2009 and 2010.

If convicted, Smith could serve up to five years for a drug trafficking conspiracy, and 15 years on the bribery count.

His co-conspirators in the case have been convicted on federal drug charges in North Carolina, according to the report.

FMI: http://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca