WASHINGTON, DC- DECEMBER 19 Metropolitan Police Departments narcotics unit and federal authorities seized approximately 80 pounds of methamphetamine, 9.6. kilograms of cocaine, 1.25 gallons of PCP. 23.5 pounds of marijuana, heroin and MDMA/ecstasy. The drugs were purchased and seized by the detectives in the investigation and were on display for a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on December 19, 2011. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy L.Lanier and members from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced today the arrests of 70 suspects for the possession and distribution of firearms and narcotics with a street value of more than $7.1 million. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
San Francisco, California – A California woman made a – let’s call it a poor decision – by attempting to smuggle an enormous quantity of cannabis out of the country at San Francisco International Airport. Diane Bahlawan, 34, was arrested on May 6 while trying to board a United Airlines flight to Frankfurt, Germany, carrying over 150 pounds of marijuana.
Airport security became suspicious when Bahlawan’s four roller bags appeared unusually heavy. A closer inspection revealed 131 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis, weighing a total of approximately 151 pounds. Along with the cannabis, authorities confiscated her cellphone, boarding pass, and nearly $1,000 in cash. She was charged with burglary and unlawful transport of marijuana.
Bahlawan was arrested on the spot and later released on bail. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for June 2. According to San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, this amount of marijuana being smuggled through the airport is rare. He noted that cases involving such large quantities usually fall under federal jurisdiction, with his office typically handling smaller cases. However, given the sheer volume of this instance, the district attorney’s office has taken on the prosecution.
While details about the case are still emerging and officials have declined to comment, the arrest adds to a recent string of high-profile drug smuggling incidents at San Francisco International Airport and other California ports of entry. Earlier this year, in February, a 25-year-old Australian woman was arrested at the same airport for attempting to transport 44 pounds of methamphetamine. In April, Customs and Border Protection agents seized around 150,000 cigarettes from a couple returning to California at the Long Beach Cruise Ship Terminal.
Despite California’s legalization of cannabis for recreational use, transporting large quantities internationally remains illegal and subject to serious criminal charges. Bahlawan’s attempt to move such a significant amount onto an international flight highlights ongoing challenges faced by authorities trying to intercept illicit drug shipments.
The case serves as a reminder that regardless of state laws, marijuana trafficking across international borders is strictly prohibited and carries heavy penalties. It also underscores the vigilance of airport security and customs officers who regularly intercept smuggling attempts — even when they involve surprisingly large and obvious loads.
As the investigation continues, more information will likely emerge following Bahlawan’s court appearance. For now, the incident stands as a cautionary tale about the risks of trying to move large quantities of marijuana illegally, especially when traveling abroad.
