CBP Seizes Nearly 250 Pounds of Marijuana at BWI in Europe-Bound Smuggling Attempts

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport have seized nearly 250 pounds of marijuana and almost 5 pounds of hashish in several smuggling attempts destined for Europe. The drugs, with an estimated U.S. street value of $675,000, were discovered in the luggage of travelers from Baltimore, Los Angeles, and the United Kingdom between February and March. One U.K. citizen was denied entry and deported, while the American citizens were released pending further investigation.

Why it matters

The cases highlight a growing trend of traffickers using passenger luggage to move marijuana and other drugs from the U.S. to Europe, where the profits can be significantly higher. This raises concerns about airport security and the ability of law enforcement to detect and intercept these international drug smuggling operations.

The details

CBP officers at BWI Airport intercepted multiple shipments of marijuana and hashish over a two-month period from February to March 2026. The drugs, weighing nearly 250 pounds of marijuana and almost 5 pounds of hashish, were discovered in the luggage of travelers from Baltimore, Los Angeles, and the United Kingdom. One U.K. citizen was denied entry and deported, while the American citizens were released pending further investigation. Officials estimate the street value of the seized drugs to be around $675,000 in the U.S., but noted the potential for much higher profits if the drugs had reached the European market.

• The drug seizures occurred between February and March 2026.
• The cases were announced by authorities on April 1, 2026.