Baltimore pair accused of trying to smuggle 57 pounds of weed through Dulles Airport

Their travel plans went up in smoke before takeoff.

Two Baltimore residents were arrested at Washington Dulles International Airport last month after federal officers say they tried to board a London-bound flight with more than 50 pounds of marijuana packed in their luggage.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted the drugs April 16 while inspecting checked baggage headed for an international flight, according to authorities. Inside two suitcases, officers found dozens of vacuum-sealed bags containing what later tested positive for marijuana.

The travelers — identified as 31-year-old Carl Caran Raashad Henson and 31-year-old Tilesha Kelly Theresa Coles, both of Baltimore — were stopped at their departure gate and taken back for further inspection. In total, officers recovered about 57 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of roughly $220,000.

Police with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority charged the pair with felony narcotics offenses, including possession, intent to distribute more than five pounds of marijuana and conspiracy.

Authorities say the case reflects a broader pattern of attempted marijuana smuggling to Europe, where high-potency cannabis can sell for significantly higher prices than in the U.S.

Federal officials say traffickers often recruit couriers to transport drugs through commercial airports.

In recent weeks, customs officers in Baltimore seized 247 pounds of marijuana across four London-bound shipments, while officers in Philadelphia intercepted another 97 pounds in two separate loads headed to London and Frankfurt.