San Francisco airport bust reveals 151 pounds of cannabis in woman’s luggage
A shocking incident unfolded at San Francisco International Airport as a California woman, Diane Bahlawan, was apprehended for allegedly attempting to smuggle a staggering 151 pounds of cannabis onto an international flight bound for Frankfurt, Germany. The 34-year-old was taken into custody on May 6 while boarding a United Airlines flight, where airport security detected the suspiciously heavy roller bags she was carrying. Upon inspection, authorities uncovered 131 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis stashed inside.
In addition to the illicit substance, Bahlawan’s belongings, including her cellphone, boarding pass, and $960 in cash, were confiscated by officials. The accused was charged with burglary and unlawful transportation of marijuana, but was subsequently released from jail after posting bail. Her upcoming court appearance is scheduled for June 2.
San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe expressed surprise at the scale of the case, emphasizing the rarity of handling such large marijuana transportation incidents. While the U.S. Attorney’s Office typically manages significant cases of this nature, local authorities are prepared to prosecute the matter as needed.
The district attorney’s office hinted at forthcoming details about the case following Bahlawan’s court hearing. This episode is not an isolated incident in California or at San Francisco International Airport, as recent months have seen similar occurrences. In February, a 25-year-old Australian national was arrested at the airport for possession of 44 pounds of methamphetamine. Additionally, in April, Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted about 150,000 cigarettes from a couple returning from Ensenada, Mexico, at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal.
The prevalence of such smuggling attempts underscores the vigilance required to combat illicit activities at transportation hubs. As authorities continue to address these challenges, the public is reminded of the importance of adhering to legal protocols and regulations when traveling internationally.
Kyle Schmidbauer, a production assistant for Fox News Digital and a graduate of Montclair State University, contributed to this report. Stay informed with the latest updates on this developing story.
