Passenger ejected from Portland flight after TSA discovers marijuana in luggage
A man was removed from a flight at Portland International Airport on Tuesday after authorities discovered a substantial quantity of marijuana in his checked luggage. The individual, identified as 38-year-old Zachariah Primus, now faces multiple felony charges in what marks a significant incident in ongoing marijuana-related enforcement at the airport.
Transport Security Administration (TSA) team members flagged Primus’ luggage during routine inspections. Upon further investigation, officers from the Port of Portland Police discovered a large vacuum-sealed bag containing 24 smaller plastic bags, one of which was filled with marijuana buds. According to police, the weight of the marijuana bags totaled approximately 30 pounds, although the precise amount was not detailed in the probable cause affidavit.
The investigation quickly connected the luggage to Primus, who had already boarded an Alaska Airlines flight destined for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. Law enforcement officials directed Primus to return to the gate, where he was subsequently arrested. Following his arrest, Primus was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and later released on his own recognizance.
He has been charged with illegal import or export of marijuana items, unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office stated that Primus was in possession of more than 256 ounces, or 16 pounds, of usable marijuana at the time of his arrest.
This incident is the third marijuana-related seizure reported at Portland International Airport since May. On May 3, police apprehended an individual attempting to transport 50 pounds of marijuana, while on May 7, authorities discovered another 57 pounds concealed within superglued bags in a passenger’s checked luggage. That individual claimed to be unaware of the contents and stated she had been compensated to transport the items.
Primus was arraigned on Thursday, and his next court appearance is scheduled for July 30. As concerns over marijuana-related cases at Portland International Airport continue to rise, inquiries regarding an increase in such incidents have been directed to airport officials, with a response expected after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
#business #politics #entertainment #technology #environment
