Suspect caught attempting to transport meth-laden clothing on flight from LAX

Raj Matharu, a 31-year-old man from Los Angeles, was indicted for attempting to smuggle more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine onto an Australia-bound flight from LAX. The drugs were hidden in clothing items that had been “washed” with the methamphetamine to avoid detection. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada praised airport screening and law enforcement officers for catching the contraband-laced wardrobe. Matharu was arrested after screening personnel noticed irregularities in his luggage, containing clothing items covered in a white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. The meth-caked clothes included a variety of items, even onesie pajamas fashioned to look like a cow. Matharu was intercepted by officers as he tried to board his flight, and he faces a federal charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted, he could be sentenced to a prison term ranging from 10 years to life. Matharu is currently free on a $10,000 bond pending his arraignment hearing scheduled for December 2 in federal court in Los Angeles. The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to fighting drug trafficking to save lives and protect communities from the dangers of illicit narcotics.

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