Authorities in Massachusetts have apprehended Nalexus Palmer, a 28-year-old resident of Clinton Township, Michigan, for allegedly attempting to board an international flight from Logan
International Airport in Boston with a significant quantity of marijuana.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Palmer was arrested on Saturday evening at Logan Airport while purportedly trying to transport approximately $370,000 worth of cannabis to London. U.S. Customs and Border Protection informed Massachusetts State Police about the seizure of two large suitcases containing vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana and an Apple AirTag around 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Palmer, who had previously flown from Detroit to Boston, now faces charges related to the possession and trafficking of marijuana. While possession of small amounts of marijuana is legal in both Massachusetts and Michigan, it remains prohibited in the United Kingdom, where authorities estimate the seized 74 pounds of marijuana to be valued at $370,000.
Although Massachusetts law permits individuals over the age of 21 to possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana within their residences, Palmer is accused of carrying more than 1,100 times that amount. District Attorney Kevin Hayden emphasized that while laws surrounding marijuana possession have evolved in certain states, trafficking large quantities across state or international borders remains a serious offense.
According to statements from Palmer to law enforcement, she claimed ignorance regarding the contents of the bags, alleging that an unidentified woman had delivered them to her on Saturday. Palmer asserted that a man, whom she had met four years ago in Atlanta, arranged the delivery and had been providing her with funds through digital payment platforms like Zelle and Cash App. She further claimed that the man intended to compensate her for transporting the bags upon her arrival in London.
Palmer appeared before Judge Debra DelVecchio in Boston Municipal Court's East Boston Division, facing charges of trafficking marijuana between 50 and 100 pounds. She was granted bail set at $3,000 and instructed to surrender her passport, while also being prohibited from visiting Logan Airport except for legitimate travel purposes.
Palmer is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing on May 24, although it remains unclear whether she has legal representation at this time. Photo by Luciof, Wikimedia commons.