Police Arrested Woman With Marijuana at PDX Airport
Janay Mateo was arrested August 31 after security found nearly 60 pounds of marijuana in her checked luggage.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Port of Portland police arrested Janay Mateo at Portland International Airport on August 31 after discovering 59.5 pounds of marijuana in her suitcases during a routine baggage inspection. Mateo, 39, faces charges related to the export and possession of the drug.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against the interstate transport of marijuana, as airport security continues to flag high-volume baggage discrepancies. Mateo told detectives she intended to resell the shipment in Maryland.
Police recovered 59.5 pounds of marijuana from luggage checked at PDX, while a companion was found with 65 pounds in Pennsylvania. The investigation also recovered a $62,195 receipt for marijuana strains and pricing.
The players
Janay Mateo
The 39-year-old woman charged with marijuana export and possession.
Port of Portland police
The law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling Portland International Airport.
Glenn Sanders
The individual who traveled with Mateo and was later arrested in Pennsylvania.
The details
Port of Portland officers detained Mateo after screeners flagged her bags for inspection around 3:45 a.m. United gate agents subsequently pulled a second suitcase from the boarding process before the flight departed. Mateo remains in custody pending her arraignment scheduled for September 30.
Timeline
August 31, 2026: Police arrested Janay Mateo at PDX.
September 30, 2026: Janay Mateo is scheduled for arraignment.
Beyond the Bridges
This case illustrates the reach of the Controlled Substances Act as authorities continue to monitor the illicit interstate transport of cannabis. It follows a persistent pattern of federal enforcement against high-volume distribution attempts departing from legalized states.
Travelers should remain aware that federal and airport security policies regarding marijuana transport remain unchanged even if the drug is legal under Oregon state law. Checking high-volume quantities of cannabis in luggage continues to trigger mandatory inspection and police intervention.
The takeaway
Travelers departing PDX must understand that federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across state lines regardless of local legality. Residents should monitor upcoming court proceedings for further details on the scope of the investigation.
What happens next
Janay Mateo is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on September 30, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement, visit Drug Crime.
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Do you believe airport security screenings are effective at deterring the illegal transport of substances?
