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Bryan Nelson Gonzalez Rodriguez, 34, of Monterey Park, Calif., meant to depart from Philadelphia on April 24 but was stopped by US Customs and Border Protection officers at the gate, agency officials said in a release.
They confronted the traveler after an x-ray exam during outbound inspections revealed "anomalies" in his two suitcases, CBP said.
The bags were then taken to a CBP inspection station, where officers said they found 72 pounds and three ounces of marijuana in dozens of vacuum-sealed black packages inside.
Agents estimated the street value of the pot at $160,000 in the US, but said that high-quality American marijuana can fetch twice as much per ounce in overseas markets.
“It is unusual to encounter travelers today who attempt to smuggle bulk amounts of marijuana in passenger baggage to overseas destinations," said Rene Ortega, acting CBP Area Port Director for Philadelphia.
"Bulk marijuana smuggling remains illegal, and Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to deliver consequences when we encounter it."
Homeland Security Investigations officers were called to the airport to confiscate the contraband, federal authorities said. Gonzalez Rodriguez was charged with felony possession with intent to distribute, they added.
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