A San Fernando Valley resident has been indicted for allegedly attempting to transport methamphetamine hidden in clothing, including a cow pajama onesie, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Raj Matharu, 31, from Northridge, faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Matharu is set to appear in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles on December 2. He is currently free on a $10,000 bond.
"Drug dealers are continually inventing creative ways of smuggling dangerous narcotics in pursuit of illicit profit – as alleged in the facts of this case," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada. "In the process, they are poisoning communities throughout the world. Law enforcement is committed to fighting drug trafficking, knowing that every seizure saves lives."
Court documents reveal that on November 6, Matharu attempted to board a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney. At the ticket counter, he checked two suitcases: one pink and one gray. Upon X-ray screening by officers, irregularities were detected leading to a secondary inspection.
Inside the luggage were over a dozen clothing items coated with a white residue that tested positive for methamphetamine. The total weight of these items was approximately 32.4 kilograms (71.5 pounds), and more than one kilogram of methamphetamine residue was extracted from them.
Law enforcement intercepted Matharu on the jet bridge before his flight departure and subsequently arrested him.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime; however, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
If convicted, Matharu could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from United States Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Diane Roldán is prosecuting the case.