California Man Arrested in Dulles Airport Hashish Smuggling

Johnathan Edward Perez, a California resident, has been arrested by Virginia State Police for felony narcotics possession at Washington Dulles International Airport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered approximately 88 pounds of Hashish in his luggage.

The luggage was destined for Sao Paulo, Brazil, from Washington, D.C. The estimated street value of the hashish is around $10,500 in the U.S.

CBP officers handed over Perez and the confiscated hashish to Virginia State Police. This incident is part of a concerning trend where U.S. growers and retailers attempt to export marijuana to regions like Europe and Africa, where it can fetch higher prices.

Marc E. Calixte, CBP’s Area Port Director for Washington, D.C., emphasized that this seizure reflects CBP’s commitment to law enforcement and preventing illegal narcotics trafficking. He assured continued collaboration with law enforcement to hold smugglers accountable.

CBP’s border security mission, led by officers and agriculture specialists, involves screening international travellers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illegal products that could harm the U.S. public, businesses, and national safety and economy.

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CBP officers and agents, on average, seize nearly 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs daily at the nation’s ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for managing, controlling, and protecting the nation’s borders. It integrates customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at official ports of entry.