A 25-year-old Australian woman, Yasmin Vantongeren, is facing serious drug charges after allegedly attempting to fly home with 44 pounds of methamphetamine in her suitcase.
Vantongeren, who was visiting Southern California, reportedly accepted a “paid vacation” from an acquaintance in exchange for transporting the drug-filled luggage back to Australia. She was allegedly offered between $6,000 and $15,000 for the job, SFGATE reported.
After staying in a Koreatown Airbnb for a week, she swapped her suitcase with an unknown person. On Feb. 14, she was stopped at San Francisco International Airport during a random TSA screening, where agents discovered 20 sealed bags of meth and coffee-stained clothing, often used to mask drug scents.
Authorities suspect she may be linked to a larger drug smuggling operation. Despite initially denying knowledge of the drugs, investigators found Western Union receipts in her name.
Vantongeren has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges. She is currently being held without bail and is set to appear in court on Feb. 20.
