Arrested for Drug Possession at LaGuardia Airport

New York City’s LaGuardia Airport has strict security measures in place due to the millions of passengers that travel through it each year. With such a high volume of people constantly entering and exiting from around the United States, the airport enforces aggressive screening for contraband. TSA checkpoints allow federal officers to conduct searches of people and their luggage.

Security screenings or police dog searches can sometimes lead to the discovery of illegal drugs. If you are arrested at LaGuardia Airport for criminal possession of a controlled substance, you could face either misdemeanor or felony charges of various degrees, depending on the type and quantity of drugs found. A criminal conviction can lead to hefty fines, jail time, probation and other penalties.

Travelers can be arrested for possessing illegal substances such as cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamines, steroids and Valium. Some airport drug possession charges involve marijuana. In the past, TSA agents could inform a law enforcement officer if they detect marijuana in a traveler’s bags or on an individual.

Effective March 31, 2021, it is no longer a crime to smoke or possess limited amounts of cannabis in New York. However, traveling with marijuana in amounts over three ounces in your carry-on bag may be questioned. If carry marijuana with you while traveling, you could be arrested and face criminal charges, depending on the amount allegedly possessed and the other state’s laws.

If you were arrested for drug possession at LaGuardia Airport, contact the experienced lawyers at Brill Legal Group immediately. We have handled a broad range of drug-related cases and understand how to fight against charges arising from airport security searches.