A 34-year-old American man was arrested in Antigua and Barbuda on March 7 after he allegedly attempted to smuggle marijuana into the country.

The Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (RABPF) said officers conducting operations at V.C. Bird International Airport were alerted to a black suitcase belonging to Fady Aziz Saloum, and a subsequent search allegedly uncovered the contraband.

A total of 23 pre-wrapped cannabis joints, along with one blue zip-lock bag containing a quantity of cannabis, were seized by officers attached to the Narcotics Department.

The illegal items were weighed and amounted to 56 grams of cannabis, with an estimated street value of EC$560.

Saloum, who arrived on United Airlines Flight 2020 from Pennsylvania, was detained and is expected to appear in court this week.