LAX Worker Accused In 24-Pound Fentanyl Handoff

LOS ANGELES, CA — An employee of a service provider at Los Angeles International Airport and another South Bay man have been charged after federal authorities said they found about 24 pounds of fentanyl during an attempted drug handoff inside an airport bathroom.

Miguel Angel Tuz-Noh, 24, and Anthony Olvera, 23, both of Lennox, are charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The two men were arrested Wednesday and made their initial appearances Friday in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. A magistrate judge ordered each released on $10,000 bond. Their arraignments are scheduled for Sept. 17, according to prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, investigators believe Tuz-Noh, who works at LAX, has ties to a drug trafficking organization.

Federal authorities said they watched Tuz-Noh and Olvera attempt to exchange drugs Aug. 19 in a men's bathroom at one of the airport's terminals.

Investigators detained both men shortly afterward and searched a duffel bag carried by Olvera. Authorities found 10 brick-shaped packages containing about 11 kilograms, or 24.3 pounds, of fentanyl, according to prosecutors.

Investigators believe Olvera had agreed to carry the fentanyl aboard a flight to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, prosecutors said.

If convicted, each man faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.