Psilocybin Mushrooms.
ST. THOMAS — A traveler who told authorities he came to the Virgin Islands for vacation and to deliver clothing to an acquaintance is facing drug-distribution charges after Customs and Border Protection officers reportedly found large quantities of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms in two checked suitcases.
Andy Thongdy arrived at Cyril E. King Airport on June 21 after traveling from Los Angeles International Airport with a stop in Miami, Florida.
As baggage from his American Airlines flight underwent X-ray inspection, CBP officers were alerted that two checked bags required closer scrutiny.
Officers searched one of the bags checked under Mr. Thongdy’s name and found several transparent, vacuum-sealed bundles containing a green leafy substance.
Both suitcases were then returned to the baggage carousel while officers waited to see who would retrieve them.
Mr. Thongdy collected both bags and was stopped by CBP officers, who took him to a secondary inspection area. He reportedly claimed ownership of the suitcases and said he was visiting the territory for vacation and to deliver clothing to a man he identified as Jose.
During the secondary inspection, officers reopened the luggage.
The green leafy material found in the first suitcase produced a positive field-test result for marijuana and weighed almost 14 kilograms.
The second suitcase contained just over 11 kilograms of material that also tested positive for marijuana. Officers additionally found 3.25 kilograms of material that tested positive for psilocybin mushrooms.
Mr. Thongdy was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms with intent to distribute.
District Court Magistrate Alan Teague found probable cause to support the charges.
Prosecutors sought to have Mr. Thongdy remain detained, but the judge denied that request and released him on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 29.
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