SAN FRANCISCO
Lee Heidhues 5.20.2025
“So ’70s.”
That was the comment when I told someone about the bust of a passenger attempting to board United Airlines (UAL) flight 58 from San Francisco to Frankfurt.
Liz and I have taken this very same flight to Germany several times. It must have been quite a scene at the airport. What was this traveler thinking? She must have been flying high already when she arrived at San Francisco International with her stash.
Fortunately for the traveler her detention was made by California authorities where marijuana is legal.
One is left to wonder what would have happened when she arrived in Frankfurt and went through German Customs.
Excerpted from The San Francisco Chronicle 5.20.2025
A woman was arrested at San Francisco International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 151 pounds of marijuana aboard a flight to Frankfurt, officials said this week.
Diane Bahlawan was detained May 6 at the gate before her United Airlines flight, where airport officials discovered the drugs concealed in four large roller bags.
According to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office, Bahlawan was carrying 131 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, totaling 151 pounds.
The 34-year-old Glendale resident has been charged with two felonies for allegedly attempting to transport the 151 pounds of marijuana from San Francisco International Airport to Frankfurt, Germany, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
The woman, Diane Bahlawan, was arrested at SFO in the evening of May 6 after the 131 separately vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana were allegedly found in the four roller bags she had checked for the flight, Wagstaffe said.
Bahlawan, who has been charged with unlawful transport of marijuana and burglary, posted bail. Her next court appearance is June 2, Wagstaffe said.
The drugs were allegedly uncovered after security flagged the unusually heavy luggage.
In addition to the marijuana, authorities said they seized Bahlawan’s boarding pass, cellphone and $960 in cash at the time of her arrest.
Bahlawan was charged with two felonies: unlawful transport of marijuana and burglary. She has posted bail and is scheduled to appear in court for her initial arraignment on June 2.
The San Mateo District Attorney’s office indicated that further details on the case will be provided following Bahlawan’s court appearance.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfo-marijuana-arrest-20336861.php
Top photo: Frankfurt Airport lounge – photo Lee Heidhues
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