ST. THOMAS — A Thanksgiving Day drug trafficking investigation at the Cyril E. King Airport has led to federal charges for four men after Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 200 pounds of marijuana hidden in multiple suitcases. The case unfolded shortly after an American Airlines flight arrived in St. Thomas and has now moved into the federal court system.

According to court documents, the four defendants — Masaca Sacamay Creque, Harry Lee Davis III, James Calvark King III, and Dwayne Blash — were passengers on the flight that landed on Thursday. Creque was listed as having two checked bags, while Davis and King each had three. All seven suitcases drew the attention of CBP officers during the baggage inspection process.

Officers reported that the luggage contained black vacuum-sealed bundles. After observing Davis and King retrieve the suitcases, CBP personnel intercepted King inside the baggage claim area and stopped the other three men outside the terminal. The four were then escorted to a secondary inspection area, where the bags were opened.

Inside the suitcases, officers found bundles containing a green leafy substance. The material was tested using a field kit and identified as marijuana. In total, CBP counted 208 vacuum-sealed bundles weighing more than 107 kilograms.

During questioning, King reportedly told officers that the group had traveled to San Francisco, California, to purchase marijuana. Investigators also determined that all airline tickets for the trip had been purchased by Blash.

The four men were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Teague on Friday, and their next court appearance was scheduled for Monday. Public defenders and CJA counsel were appointed to represent all four defendants.