TSA finds 81 pounds of pot in checked baggage

OAKLAND, Calif., May 3 (UPI) -- TSA officers screening checked baggage at Oakland International Airport discovered two suitcases filled with 81 pounds of marijuana Friday.

Officials arrested a 26-year-old Jackson, Miss., woman, whose name wasn't reported, after the marijuana was discovered. She was allegedly trying to fly from Oakland to Jackson by way of Phoenix and Dallas after checking the two suitcases.

"TSA screens every bag placed on an airplane, whether taken as carry-on or checked with an airline," said TSA spokesman Ross Feinstein.

"As is common practice, TSA notified the Alameda County Sheriff's Office of the discovery, who responded and took possession of the marijuana," Feinstein added. "The passenger was subsequently arrested on criminal charges."