MENTALHEALTH.INFOLABMED.COM - Zachariah Hillary Primus, 38, faces three felony charges following an incident at Portland International Airport on June 30. Airport security intercepted a significant quantity of marijuana in the passenger's checked luggage, leading to his arrest before departure.
Primus had already boarded his Alaska Airlines flight, identified as AS18, and was waiting for takeoff when authorities intervened. Law enforcement officers coordinated with airline staff to remove the passenger from the aircraft, ending his planned trip to New York City.
Investigation and Discovery at PDX
The situation began when Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents flagged a piece of checked luggage for a secondary inspection. A luggage tag on the suitcase was clearly labeled with the name “PRIMUS/ZACHAR,” connecting the bag directly to the traveler.
Inside the suitcase, security officials discovered a large vacuum-sealed bag containing 24 smaller black plastic bags. While initial reports cited 16 pounds, court affidavits clarified the total weight of the seized marijuana was 29.68 pounds.
One of the bags was opened by TSA agents, revealing what appeared to be marijuana buds. Reviewing CCTV footage subsequently allowed police to confirm that Primus was the individual who had checked the suitcase at the terminal.
The traveler, who carried a Connecticut identification card, was taken into custody immediately upon exiting the aircraft. He offered no immediate resistance as he was escorted from the plane by law enforcement officers.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
Primus is currently facing three distinct felony charges, including the unlawful possession and delivery of a marijuana item. Court records also detail an additional charge of unlawful import or export of a controlled substance.
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez addressed the arrest in a formal statement provided to the media. He emphasized that while Oregon maintains a regulated cannabis industry, those who violate state laws will face strict prosecution.
Following his booking on June 30, Primus was released on his own recognizance by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 30 to address the pending criminal charges.
Rising Trend of Airport Marijuana Seizures
The arrest of Primus marks the third major marijuana seizure reported at Portland International Airport since the month of May. Local reports indicate an uptick in attempted trafficking through the busy transportation hub.
Earlier in the season, authorities encountered a passenger attempting to fly with 50 pounds of the substance on a May 3 flight. Just days later, on May 7, police discovered an additional 57 pounds of marijuana inside superglued bags within another passenger's checked luggage.
These recurring incidents have led to increased vigilance by both the Port of Portland police and federal security agencies. Authorities continue to monitor outbound flights closely to prevent the illegal transport of cannabis products out of the state.
As the legal process unfolds for Primus, investigators are continuing to review security protocols to deter future offenses. The outcome of this case remains pending as the prosecution prepares for the scheduled court date at the end of July.
