Meth-covered cow onesie in luggage smuggler hears fate
Share this @internewscast.com

Officers at Los Angeles International Airport arrested a man after he allegedly tried to smuggle meth-baked clothing, including a cow pajama onesie, in his luggage (Department of Homeland Security).

A California resident is facing a prison sentence after attempting to smuggle methamphetamine-soaked clothing, including a cow-patterned onesie, in his luggage for a flight from Los Angeles to Australia.

Raj Matharu, 31, has been sentenced to three years in prison, as reported by the Courthouse News Service. In June, he admitted to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Although Matharu initially faced a potential 10-year prison term, prosecutors chose to forgo the mandatory minimum sentence due to it being his first offense and his minor role as a courier in the drug operation. The government instead recommended a 41-month sentence, according to a sentencing memorandum. Matharu’s legal representative sought a reduced sentence of one year.

“The defendant’s involvement with drugs led him to individuals who presented an opportunity to earn money,” his attorney stated in a defense memorandum.

The defense also highlighted that Matharu is currently excelling in college, having made the Dean’s List.

“The defendant is astute enough to understand he has made a grave error and has genuinely learned from this experience,” the memo emphasized.

As Law&Crime previously reported, Matharu was traveling on United Airlines Flight 839 from LAX to Sydney on Nov. 6 and checked pink and gray suitcases before heading to the gate. Screening officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent the luggage through an X-ray machine which allegedly revealed an “anomaly,” a criminal complaint said

Officers opened the suitcases that had Matharu’s name on them and found they were filled with “white or light-colored clothing items that were dried stiff and covered in a white residue,” cops wrote.

One of the clothing items was an adult-sized cow pajama onesie. Other items included both men’s and women’s clothing such as socks, sports bras and boxers, the affidavit said.

The residue tested positive for methamphetamine.

CBP approached Matharu at the gate and took him in for an interview. He allegedly admitted the suitcases belonged to him but requested a lawyer and declined to speak further.

Officers believe Matharu “washed” a meth solution into the clothing and then left it to dry in room temperature or a cold environment. Over time, the solution would evaporate and the powdered meth would separate from the shirt to form the white residue.

Matharu’s bags purportedly contained around 71 pounds worth of meth-caked clothing, per the complaint. Cops reportedly extracted about 1 kilogram worth of the drug.

“Drug dealers are continually inventing creative ways of smuggling dangerous narcotics in pursuit of illicit profit — as alleged in the facts of this case,” Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District said in a statement. “In the process, they are poisoning communities throughout the world. Law enforcement is committed to fighting drug trafficking, knowing that every seizure saves lives.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Justice Denied: The Bizarre Ruling of Bride Ellen’s Stabbing as Suicide Sparks Outrage and Cover-Up Allegations

The investigation into Ellen Greenberg’s death has reached a conclusion. Philadelphia’s Chief…

Legal Team of Abrego Garcia Criticizes Todd Blanche, Labeling Him as Cowardly

Left: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche listens during a news conference about…

Stunning Report Unveils Frequency of Illegal Gun Incidents in Australia

More than 2000 guns are stolen every year in Australia, averaging out…

Missouri Woman Allegedly Assaults Boyfriend with Garden Shears and Attempts to Run Him Over Using His Truck, Authorities Report

A Missouri woman faces charges of domestic assault after a heated altercation…

Authorities Report Man Fatally Assaults Mother Without Apparent Motive

Inset: Sebastian Van Stockum (New Canaan Police). Background: Home in New Canaan,…

Shocking Crime: Woman Accused of Murder During ‘Toy Story’ Viewing

Michelle Yeagher (Connecticut State Police). In Connecticut, a woman has been incarcerated…

Exhausted and Agitated: Factors Leading to Child Assault Unveiled

Baby Elijah spent his initial three months in a hospital, dependent on…

Tragic Case of Severe Child Neglect: Mother Arrested for Starving 13-Year-Old to 35 Pounds

Background: Kadaris Maddox can be seen in a framed photo during a…

ASO Launches Investigation into Overnight Shooting Incident in Majestic Oaks Community

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A late-night incident involving gunfire and a…

Unlicensed Teen Involved in Fatal Crash After Being Permitted to Drive, Resulting in the Death of Three Children

Inset: Richard S. Ferguson (Osceola County Corrections). Background: The Florida intersection where…

Illinois Woman Sentenced for Fatal Eyedrop Poisoning of Police Chief Boyfriend

A woman from Illinois has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term…

Illinois Deputy Convicted in Fatal Shooting of 911 Caller Reporting Prowler

On Wednesday, an Illinois jury reached a verdict convicting a sheriff’s deputy…