A man from Los Angeles County is facing serious charges after LAX security discovered methamphetamine hidden in his clothing, including a cow pajama onesie, in his luggage. Raj Matharu, 31, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. Despite the charges, Matharu was released on a $10,000 bond until his arraignment on Dec. 2.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles shared a photo of the alleged meth-caked onesie, highlighting the creative and dangerous methods drug dealers use to smuggle narcotics for profit. This case underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, with law enforcement agencies dedicated to saving lives by intercepting such illicit substances.
Matharu was apprehended on Nov. 6 after checking two suitcases, one pink and one gray, at the ticket counter before his flight. Security became suspicious after noticing anomalies in the X-ray scans of the luggage. Upon inspection, officers discovered over a dozen white or light-colored garments, including the infamous onesie, that were stiff and coated in a white substance later confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Further testing revealed that more than a kilogram of meth residue was extracted from the clothing, weighing approximately 71.5 pounds. Matharu was taken into custody on the jet bridge as he was about to board his flight to Australia, indicating the international reach of drug trafficking networks.
This incident sheds light on the persistent efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal drug trade and protect communities from the harmful effects of substances like methamphetamine. By remaining vigilant and employing advanced detection methods, authorities can prevent dangerous drugs from reaching their intended destinations and potentially causing harm to individuals and society at large.