Passenger Caught In Detroit After Sneaking Over 30 Pounds of Cocaine on Last-Minute Delta Air Lines Flight from Los Angeles

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 17, 2024 21:00 PMNews
Share:
Delta Airlines plane taking off
Delta Airlines plane taking off. Source: unsplash

A man was arrested at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) after attempting to smuggle over 30 pounds of cocaine on a last-minute Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to Saginaw, Michigan. The arrest occurred before the suspect could board his connecting flight in Detroit.

Earlier this month, officials at DTW intercepted Woodrow Campbell, who had booked a last-minute flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Saginaw (MBS) via Detroit. Campbell's booking was made less than 24 hours before the departure on June 7. Last-minute bookings are sometimes used by drug traffickers to evade detection, a tactic that law enforcement is well aware of.

Campbell, with a prior record of drug smuggling, had previously abandoned a bag containing over 10 pounds of cocaine at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in May 2023. This background raised further suspicion.

Upon arrival at DTW, two of Campbell's bags were offloaded and approached by officials from the Wayne County Airport Authority’s Airport Special Investigations Unit. A drug-sniffing dog alerted authorities to the presence of narcotics in the bags, which were then secured in a locked room. The third bag, scheduled to arrive from LAX at around 14:30, also indicated the presence of drugs.

With these indicators and Campbell's previous history, a warrant was issued to search his bags. The search revealed that each of the three bags contained five compressed, rectangular bricks of cocaine wrapped in men's clothing, totaling approximately 33 pounds. Campbell was arrested at the gate as he prepared to board his connecting flight to Saginaw.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of drug smuggling attempts at airports. Los Angeles is a known hotspot for drug trafficking. In another notable case, a private aircraft scheduled to fly from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to Liverpool in the UK was found carrying 28 pounds of cocaine and 500 pounds of marijuana in November 2023, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Similarly, Seoul Incheon International Airport has seen a significant rise in drug smuggling activities, with narcotics smuggled into South Korea increasing from 129,362 grams in 2020 to 538,241 grams in 2022.

The Detroit incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by airport authorities in combatting drug trafficking and the importance of vigilant surveillance and prompt action by law enforcement.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM
Passengers waiting at Oslo Gardermoen Airport gate with planes outside

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear sky

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM
Modern hotel room with stylish neutral decor and soft lighting

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM
Modern hotel room with white bedding and sculptural wooden wall design

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM
Bright modern hotel room with two neatly made twin beds and minimalist decor

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM
Man checking updates on a smartphone outdoors

Iberia Launches Boarding Pass That Updates in Real Time to Keep Travelers Informed

Jul 1, 2025 18:33 PM

Melbourne Adds Flexible Stay Option in Central District

Jul 1, 2025 16:44 PM

Etihad Opens Direct Summer Routes to Six Mediterranean Cities

Jul 1, 2025 10:27 AM
Modern, minimalist hotel bedroom with wooden accents and abstract art

Radisson Expands to Dobra Voda, Opening Access to Southern Montenegro Trails and Shores

Jul 1, 2025 08:31 AM
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM
Modern hotel room with bed, sofa, and large windows

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM
Empty and occupied seats inside a commercial airplane cabin

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM
Three diverse dishes served in food hall style with herbs and spices

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM