A man was arrested after he tried to smuggle illegal drugs by disguising them as Christmas gifts. The incident took place at Nashville International Airport, Tennessee, on Monday.

According to court documents, Somphone Temmeraj, the 57-year-old accused, was arrested by the police after he was caught with 80-pounds of marijuana disguised as Christmas presents.

Temmeraj was reportedly apprehended after officers and a police dog identified a strong odor of marijuana coming off from the man’s luggage while he was picking up the bags and loading them onto the cart.

Authorities said the accused allowed police to search the luggage, after which, police found vacuum-sealed bags filled with marijuana. There were 75 packages of drugs in the three suitcases which were wrapped and disguised as Christmas gifts. Police also found $2,600 in cash in his possession.

According to the documents, Temmeraj had traveled to Nashville from Seattle. He was arrested at the airport and released on a $10,000 bond on Tuesday morning.

It is unclear if he had an attorney to speak on his behalf.

In a similar incident, a man from Alaska was arrested for allegedly smuggling heroin and methamphetamine at the Anchorage Airport last month. Cenen Placencia, the 71-year-old accused, had reportedly hidden the drugs in rotten goat intestines and was charged with possession and intent to distribute controlled substances. According to the District of Alaska, investigators found loosely wrapped meat pieces that were frozen and appeared to be unsafe for human consumption. The methods of packaging and shipping were also inconsistent with the standard methods used for meat processing.

Marijuana buds are weighed at a dispensary in Los Angeles
Marijuana buds are weighed at a dispensary in Los Angeles AFP / Frederic J. BROWN
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