Step aside, criminal masterminds—Du Li Park just set the bar for the most ill-conceived cannabis smuggling attempt of the year. On November 23, the 30-year-old from The Colony, Texas, tried to waltz through Washington Dulles International Airport with 71 pounds of cannabis stuffed into two suitcases. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers must have laughed out loud when they saw the 60 vacuum-sealed bags crammed inside. Street value in the U.S.? $330,000. Potential London payout? Double or triple that, depending on potency. Du Li was swinging for the fences but forgot she was holding a plastic bat.
If you’re thinking, That’s got to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, you’re not wrong. And in case you’re considering a similar venture, we’re here to break it down step by step—a masterclass in how NOT to smuggle weed.
Step 1: Don’t Overdo It.
Here’s a hot tip: maybe don’t pack 71 pounds of cannabis into your luggage. That’s not just a little over the line; that’s the whole damn football field. Smugglers usually try to keep it subtle—small amounts, personal stash vibes. But no, Park decided to roll through like she was stocking an entire dispensary. Pro tip: less is more when you’re trying not to get arrested.
Step 2: Airports Are Federal Land. Act Accordingly.
Do you know what’s not legal anywhere in the U.S.? Transporting cannabis through federally controlled areas, like airports. Park must have missed the memo that customs officers and TSA are trained to catch this kind of thing. You’re not flying out of your cousin’s backyard; you’re at Dulles, one of the busiest international airports in the world. The house always wins, and you, my friend, are the house’s favorite kind of player: the one who doesn’t read the rules.
Step 3: Vacuum-Sealing Won’t Save You.
Vacuum-sealing your stash doesn’t make it invisible. It makes it conspicuous. Sixty vacuum-sealed bags stuffed into two suitcases is not “discreet” or “clever.” It’s a flashing neon sign that says, Arrest me, please. At least try to distribute the weight or, better yet, don’t do this at all.
Step 4: London is Watching.
Even if by some miracle you made it through Dulles, let’s not forget your destination: London. Britain’s cannabis laws aren’t exactly progressive, and Heathrow’s security team would have been ready to light you up the moment you landed. Your plan wasn’t just doomed—it was doomed twice.
Step 5: Don’t Set the Movement Back 20 Years.
Here’s the part that really stings. The cannabis community has fought for decades to normalize and legitimize the plant. We’re pushing forward with legalization, responsible use, and a whole new narrative about what cannabis can be. Then someone like Park comes along and drags us back to the reefer madness era. Smuggling bulk cannabis isn’t rebellious—it’s stupid. And it hurts everyone who’s worked hard to erase the stigma.
What’s Next for Du Li?
Park is now facing a trio of felony charges, including possession with intent to distribute and narcotics conspiracy. The authorities didn’t mince words, either. “Travelers who gamble with their freedom by smuggling bulk amounts of marijuana for a little extra cash may find themselves on the losing end of that proposition,” said CBP’s Marc Calixte. Translation: you’re going to jail.
The Final Lesson:
If you’re going to gamble with your freedom, maybe don’t bet the farm on 71 pounds of cannabis and a couple of suitcases. The cannabis community is working to legitimize the plant, and stunts like this don’t help. Next time you’re thinking about being the Pablo Escobar of vacuum-sealed weed, just don’t. Leave the smuggling to bad Netflix dramas.
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