72 pounds of hash found in carry-on luggage at Chicago airport: CBP
Share this @internewscast.com


() A couple traveling from Los Angeles to Brazil was detained by Customs and Border Protection officers recently at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after agents found illegal narcotics, including more than 70 pounds of hash, in their carry-on luggage, the agency announced Tuesday.

The two U.S. citizens, who were not named by CBP, were detained after both were selected for an enforcement examination, a standard CBP practice to intercept drug smuggling, officials said. The couple’s checked bags were pulled, and inspectors found heavy objects wrapped in white T-shirts that were packed inside vacuum-sealed bags.

The couple, who were attempting to make a connecting flight to Sao Paulo, was asked for tickets for their checked bags, and after presenting agents with the tickets, the couple was detained while their bags were inspected further, CBP said.

The woman told agents that she had packed the bag herself before inspectors discovered a black vacuum-sealed bag that contained a brick-sized brownish tar substance, which tested positive for marijuana hashish weighing 37 pounds. The man also said he had packed his carry-on suitcase, which contained a bag with a green, leafy substance, along with several other bags with items wrapped in white T-shirts.

Officials said that the bags found inside the man’s luggage tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride, and the other tested positive for ketamine hydrochloride along with ecstasy pills. Officers seized a total of 35 pounds of hash from the man’s bag, 28 grams of marijuana, 1.42 grams of ecstasy, .9 grams of ketamine and .8 grams of cocaine.

According to court records, Solomon Kelly, 42, of California, was charged with a pair of Class X felonies, including cannabis trafficking over 5,000 grams and cannabis manufacturing and delivery over 5,000 grams. He was also charged with possession of cannabis and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Kelly was released from custody after posting bail pending trial.

“These individuals believed they were going to easily slip by CBP’s watchful eye – they were wrong,” said LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, director of CBP’s field operations in the Chicago Field Office. “Unfortunately, this is a method of smuggling we continue to encounter with narcotic traffickers, and there are consequences for their actions.”

In July alone, CBP officers and agents seized nearly 60,500 pounds of drugs between the nation’s air, sea and land ports of entry, the agency said.

is awaiting word from CBP about possible charges involving the female traveler.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Rain Gear Recommended in Central Florida’s Back-to-School Weather Forecast

ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday brought warm temperatures across central Florida, with highs…

Colorado Prison Evacuated Due to Massive Wildfire, Among the Largest in State’s History

MEEKER, Colo. – An evacuation took place at a Colorado prison due…

South Carolina Republican Argues That Increased Prices Benefit the Nation

(The Hill) — Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) conceded that the public is…

11-Year-Old Attacked by Mountain Lion Near Malibu Residence

(KTLA) Authorities shot and killed a mountain lion after an 11-year-old child was…

What is the ‘Shoulder Season’ and Why is it a Hit Among Travelers?

(NEXSTAR) – Though summer is coming to a close, there’s still ample…

BREAKING: Skull Discovered in West Valley Pond Identified as Missing Fisherman from 2017

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) November 20th, 2017.  That was the last…

A senior advocacy organization suggests a ‘one-time catch-up payment’ for Social Security recipients. How would this proposal be implemented?

(NEXSTAR) – The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan group dedicated to informing…

4 Observations from Casinos During the Las Vegas Tourism Decline

Video above: July 30, 2025, coverage of Las Vegas Strip casinos struggling…

‘It’s My Choice’: Last Text Message Shared by Ft. Stewart Shooting Suspect’s Uncle

FORT STEWART, Ga. (WSAV) — The family of Sgt. Quornelius Radford, the…

KCK Police Seek Help Locating Missing, ‘At-Risk’ 22-Year-Old Woman

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An investigation is underway after a 22-year-old woman…

Colorado Prison Evacuated Amid Wildfire Danger

DENVER (KDVR)  179 individuals in custody at Rifle Correctional Center are being…

GCMS School District Faces $413K Budget Shortfall Amid Efforts to Upgrade Sports Facilities

The Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley school district in Illinois is predicting a financial shortfall…