Press Release
Passenger Arrested at Cyril E. King Airport for Smuggling 9 Kilograms of Marijuana into St. Thomas
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, USVI – Michael Ervin Fuller, 21, of Baytown, Texas, made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Miller today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, after Fuller arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on an American Airlines Flight from Miami, Florida, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations (CBP OFO) drug-detection dog alerted to Fuller’s carry-on bag. Upon opening the bag, CBP officers discovered a total of 16 cellophane wrapped bundles of a green leafy substance. One of the bundles was field tested and reacted positive for the characteristics of marijuana. Collectively, the 16 bundles weighed approximately 9.69 kilograms. “During this global pandemic, CBP OFO frontline officers continue to work every day while putting themselves at risk to protect and stop the illegal introduction of contraband into the territory,” stated Area Port Director Todd Bellew. “CBP will continue its efforts to combat any illegal activities.”
This case is being investigated by CBP and the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Edwards.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Updated April 20, 2020
Topic
Drug Trafficking
Component