When a flight from a “high-interest” hub like Miami lands at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, a specialized process begins long before the first passenger reaches the baggage claim.
1. The “Non-Intrusive” First Look (NII)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology, primarily advanced X-ray and CT scanners. Unlike the scanners for carry-on bags, these high-energy units can penetrate dense layers of clothing and plastic.
- Material Discrimination: Modern scanners color-code items by density. Organic materials (like marijuana, cocaine, or explosives) typically appear in orange.
- Anomalies: In the Singh case, officers noted “images consistent with smuggling.” This usually means seeing large, dense, uniform blocks (vacuum-sealed bricks) that don’t match the typical scattered shapes of shoes or clothing.
2. The “Controlled Carousel” Monitoring
Once a suspicious bag is identified via X-ray, agents often do not seize it immediately. Instead, they perform what is known as Controlled Monitoring:
- The Bait: The bag is placed back onto the public carousel as if nothing is wrong.
- The Identification: Plainclothes or uniformed officers watch to see who retrieves the bag. By allowing the suspect to “claim” the luggage, the government establishes possession and intent—crucial elements for a successful federal prosecution.
- The Escort: Once the suspect physically takes control of the bag (as Singh did), they are intercepted before they can exit the terminal.
3. On-Site Lab Verification
To ensure an arrest holds up in court, CBP often uses on-site scientists or “presumptive” field-testing kits.
- The “Green Leafy Substance”: In this case, the vacuum-sealed bags were opened in a secure area, and the contents were tested immediately.
- Weight Matters: 10.6 kilograms is significantly higher than a “personal use” amount. At over 23 pounds, federal law automatically shifts the charge to Intent to Distribute, which carries much stiffer penalties.
Summary of the Singh Case
- Origin: Miami, Florida (Flight 2211)
- The Catch: 10.6 kg (23 lbs) of Marijuana
- The Tactic: X-ray detection followed by carousel monitoring.
- The Status: Guilty plea entered; awaiting federal sentencing.