Seven months after his arrest at LAX for possession of two suitcases with his meth-caked clothes, a new trend for smuggling illicit and deadly drugs, Raj Matharu pleads guilty. https://x.com/USAO_LosAngeles/status/1861524545640833288/photo/1
Raj Matharu, 31, a resident of Northridge and citizen of India has been free on $10,000 bail since his arrest November 6th, 2024. It should be noted IndiaNews reports Matharu is an India origin man but no details have been reported of his citizenship or residence in jeopardy. The highlights of the incident include:
He was at LAX for a flight to Sydney, Australia
He had submitted a pink suitcase and a grey suitcase to the ticket counter and left towards his flight.
X-ray scans at the counter revealed irregularities.
OCJuice detailed the incident: "Matharu’s venture was thwarted the moment he attempted to check his luggage. He faced an issue many travelers encounter: overweight suitcases. While repacking, he inadvertently revealed inconsistencies that would ultimately seal his fate. Airport surveillance captured the pivotal moment as he shifted items around, unknowingly drawing the attention of diligent airport security."
The required closer inspection disclosed:
More than a dozen white or light-colored clothing items that were dried stiff and covered in a white residue; which tested positive for methamphetamine.
Media attention, puns, and imagery was placed on a cow pajama onesie
The meth-soaked clothes weighed 32.4 kilograms (71.5 pounds) of which over one kilogram (2.204lbs) was extracted upon a secondary field-tested inspection and analysis
He was intercepted while on the jet-bridge boarding his flight and then arrested
Law enforcement involved included LAX security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
He was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
November 26th he was indicted.
Freed on a $10,000 bond as he awaited his scheduled arraignment December 2, 2024 in the U.S. District Court of downtown Los Angeles
June 9th, 2025 - "Matharu admitted in his plea agreement that, at the time he possessed the suitcases, he knew he was transporting methamphetamine or some other federally controlled substance and that he intended to distribute it in Australia."
He remains free on $10,000 bond until his scheduled sentencing hearing set for 10/20/25
October 20, 2025 - A scheduled sentencing hearing was set on 6/9/25 by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer "at which time Matharu will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison."
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