A man from San Fernando Valley has admitted guilt to a federal charge related to the possession of two suitcases containing clothing items coated with methamphetamine at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Raj Matharu, 31, from Northridge, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is currently free on a $10,000 bond.
The plea agreement reveals that on November 6, 2024, Matharu attempted to fly from Los Angeles to Sydney. He had two suitcases filled with clothing covered in approximately 1.1 kilograms (2.4 pounds) of methamphetamine. At LAX, he was informed that his bags were overweight and was seen on surveillance cameras transferring contents between the suitcases. After successfully checking his luggage, x-ray screening identified abnormalities in the suitcases.
Further inspection by officers revealed stiff clothing within one suitcase, prompting a K9 unit’s involvement. Matharu was stopped after crossing the jet bridge for his flight to Australia and confirmed ownership of the bags during a secondary screening. Officers discovered dried white clothing caked in a powdery substance and loose white residue throughout both cases, which tested positive for methamphetamine. Laboratory testing confirmed nearly 1.1 kilograms of methamphetamine extracted from six out of seventeen items in the suitcases.
In his plea agreement, Matharu admitted knowing he was transporting methamphetamine or another federally controlled substance with the intention to distribute it in Australia.
United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer has set an October 20 sentencing hearing where Matharu faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum life sentence in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from United States Customs and Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas G. Purcell from the General Crimes Section.
