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Charlotte Douglas International seizes over 2,300 pounds of drugs in 2024

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

Drugs are frequently seized at airports across the United States, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport has recently added another 70 pounds to its total for 2024. This brings the year's total to over 2,300 pounds of drugs confiscated at this North Carolina airport. While it is unclear what type of drugs comprised the latest seizure, such incidents sometimes trace back to Mexican cartels.

Charlotte Airport has become a focal point for intercepting illicit substances entering the country. WSOC-TV reported that "So far this year, more than 2,300 pounds of drugs have been seized at the airport," according to the Department of Homeland Security. Channel 9 Crime Reporter Hunter Sáenz highlighted that some seizures have led investigators to violent gangs and notorious cartels in Mexico.

Hunter Sáenz interviewed Mike Morizio, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. Morizio explained their efforts: “Our group primarily is trying to intercept drugs coming into the airport and also trying to intercept those narcotics proceeds leaving the airport.” He added, “We’ve seized everything from fentanyl to crystal meth to cocaine, heroin, marijuana, you name it."

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Morizio's team often finds drugs and cash hidden in suitcases as they work tirelessly to prevent illegal substances from entering the U.S. Morizio emphasized that “All that stuff that we seized...that’s out on your streets, that’s poisoning our citizens here.”

Despite these efforts, drug seizure numbers at Charlotte Airport are down compared to last year. Authorities attribute this decrease in part to successful interception efforts. Most of the seized drugs were marijuana; however, there was a significant reduction in marijuana trafficking through Charlotte Airport in 2024 compared with 2023.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reports a 64% drop in marijuana seizures outside of airports compared with last year—potentially due in part to increased interceptions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

While marijuana remains illegal under federal law—governing airports—it can still pose legal challenges for travelers despite state laws permitting its use. The TSA states: "TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security...TSA will refer [illegal substance discoveries] during security screening...to a law enforcement officer."

In December 2024, an incident occurred where a woman was arrested after attempting to smuggle 71 pounds of marijuana through Washington Dulles Airport.

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