The 25-year-old Australian woman who was visiting Southern California faces 2018 in a state prison after multiple reports say she was trying to get home with 44 pounds of methamphetamine.
Yasmin Vantongelen reportedly flew to Los Angeles at the request of an acquaintance he had known since 2021. .
The outlet reported that the Los Angeles Times reportedly promised $15,000, but she was offered between $6,000 and $10,000 to raise meta in Australia.
While in Los Angeles, she stayed at Airbnb in Koreatown for about a week, eventually meeting someone she didn’t know and swapping her suitcase for another person.
On February 14th, the 25-year-old headed to San Francisco International Airport, where her return suddenly stopped.
While trying to reach her flight, agents from the Transportation Security Bureau flagged Van Tonguellen for a random screening. According to SFGATE, the agent discovered 20 sealed bags of methamphetamine and 40 vacuum-adhesive bags of packaging material. Her baggage reportedly contained coffee-dyed clothing that was sometimes used by smugglers to hide the smell of drugs.
Investigators said they denied knowledge of what was in the bag before she admitted to filling her in the first place, but also found a Western Union receipt with her name.
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San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaff told SFGATE that although her screening at the TSA was actually random, authorities received tips on drug delivery companies that could be attempting to pass through the airport. .
“She’s unlucky. They don’t screen all the baggage. It’s random,” Wagstaff said. “It wasn’t a victory for her.”
Investigators are currently considering whether the 25-year-old is part of a large drug smuggling ring, and it costs a lot to buy 44 pounds of methane.
The San Mateo County DA also told SFGate that investigators said what she said about her recruiter was “tasted with a grain of salt.”
It is unclear whether authorities have identified her recruiter or anyone reportedly given her drug packing packages. If so, they have not released their identity.
Vantongelen, who pleaded not guilty, is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, transport of a controlled substance, and second-degree robbery.
She is currently in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 20th.
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