drug trafficking

Trial Set for Ex-TSA Officer Suspected of Allowing Marijuana to Pass Through LAX Security

A former Transportation Security Administration officer faces trial in January for allegedly accepting bribes to allow checked bags filled with marijuana to be cleared through screening checkpoints at Los Angeles International Airport. Deondre Smith, 33, of South Los Angeles, pleaded not guilty on November 19 to charges contained in a two-count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute marijuana and bribery of a public official, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar granted Smith’s release on $50,000 bail.