Miami

Virgin Atlantic Passenger Arrested for $30,000 Worth Marijuana at Miami Airport


Miami authorities arrested a woman attempting to board an international flight after allegedly discovering a large quantity of marijuana in her checked luggage at Miami International Airport (MIA). The incident unfolded as part of routine outbound inspections before departure to the United Kingdom.

The passenger, identified as 22-year-old Begum Mulazimoglu, was scheduled to travel on a Virgin Atlantic flight operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways (VS) from Miami to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Law enforcement officials said the arrest highlights ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking through major international aviation hubs.

Virgin Atlantic Passenger Arrested for $30,000 Worth Marijuana at Miami Airport
Photo: By RHL Images from England – Virgin Atlantic A330 G-VKSS, CC BY-SA 2.0,

Virgin Atlantic Passenger Arrested at Miami

According to officials, Customs and Border Protection officers selected two hard-sided suitcases for outbound inspection after detecting a strong odor associated with marijuana. The baggage tags on both suitcases identified Mulazimoglu as the owner.

Upon opening the luggage, officers reportedly found multiple vacuum-sealed packages wrapped in black nylon material. The contents emitted a strong odor, prompting further examination and testing.

Authorities later confirmed that the green leafy substance inside the packages tested positive for marijuana. Officers also conducted an X-ray scan of the luggage, revealing tracking devices concealed within the bundles, reported NBC Miami.

Photo: By Riik@mctr – CC BY-SA 2.0,

Seizure Details

Investigators recovered a total of 60 sealed bundles of marijuana from the two suitcases. The total weight of the seized substance was reported at 65.43 pounds, placing the case well above Florida’s trafficking threshold.

In addition to the drugs, officers found two Apple tracking devices, one hidden in each suitcase. Authorities believe such devices are often used to monitor luggage movement during international travel.

Mulazimoglu was also carrying cash at the time of her arrest, including U.S. dollars and British pounds. Law enforcement officials documented the currency as part of the evidence inventory.

Miami AirportMiami Airport
Photo:- By Sharon Hahn Darlin – CC BY 2.0,

Court Proceedings

Following her arrest, Mulazimoglu was taken into custody and transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. She was formally booked on a charge of trafficking marijuana valued at more than $30,000.

During a bond court hearing the following day, the presiding judge reviewed the arrest details and acknowledged the unusually large quantity involved. The court noted that the defendant had no prior criminal history.

Prosecutors requested a bond set at $15,000, citing the seriousness of the charge and the international nature of the alleged offense. Defense counsel requested a lower amount, and the judge ultimately set bond at $10,000.

Photo: By Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK – G-VDIA Virgin Atlantic Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, CC BY 2.0,

Bottom Line

The arrest underscores the strict enforcement measures in place at major U.S. airports, particularly for international departures.

Authorities continue to emphasize that outbound drug trafficking remains a priority focus for aviation and border security agencies.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News



Source link