TSA Officers Found Cocaine and Ketamine in a Passenger’s Luggage at Phoenix Sky Harbor
TSA officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reportedly found cocaine and ketamine in a passenger’s roller bag on September 26. The man had been trying to catch a flight to San Diego.
The bag went through the X-ray at Checkpoint C in Terminal 4 a little after 8 a.m. Court documents obtained by FOX10 Phoenix say officers saw what they described as “organic material” inside.
There was an Apple Mac mini box in the roller bag. TSA opened it and found a plastic baggie filled with white crystals.
Phoenix police were called to the checkpoint and tested what was found. Court records list 70 grams of ketamine, 10 grams of cocaine and one suspected ecstasy pill.
He Said He Bought The Mac Mini From A Private Seller
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Official court documents identify the passenger as 32-year-old Hayden Cole Hidalgo. Airport cameras showed him entering security with a black backpack and black roller bag.
Officers sent the roller bag for a closer look after it went through X-ray. Officers found the Mac mini box when they searched it.
Police tested the white crystals after TSA called them over. The court documents say the suspected ecstasy pill was found with the ketamine. Hidalgo told police he did not know the drugs were there and said he bought the Mac mini from a private seller.
Police arrested Hidalgo at the airport. Court records list one felony count of narcotic drug possession for sale and one felony count of dangerous drug possession for sale.
His Bond Was Set At $25,000
Hidalgo appeared in court after his arrest. Prosecutors asked for a $75,000 cash-only bond. They also asked that he turn over his passport. Hidalgo had been headed out of Arizona when TSA stopped his bag.
The judge set bond at $25,000, cash only. Hidalgo will also have to stay on house arrest and wear an electronic monitor if he is released.
His Previous Drug Cases Came Up In Court
Hidalgo had previous drug convictions in Maricopa County from 2014 and 2015. Those cases involved marijuana sales, narcotics sales and possession of manufacturing equipment.
The records also show a Pima County conviction for solicitation to promote prison contraband. He has spent nearly 10 years in prison for previous offenses.
He remained in custody following the airport arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 1 in Maricopa County Superior Court.
