A 20-year-old woman learned an important lesson Monday as she entered Washington Dulles International Airport: Perfume doesn’t mask the scent of marijuana.

The passenger, who was not identified by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is a lawful permanent residence of the U.S.

She arrived on a flight from Ethiopia around 8 a.m. Monday, according to reports.

During a secondary inspection, a CBP officer found two heavily-perfumed plastic baggies that collectively contained 2.5 grams of marijuana in her purse.
Because of the small amount of marijuana the passenger was carrying, which was considered for personal use, no criminal charges were filed. The woman paid a $500 penalty and CBP officers released her.

“Whether its four pounds or 2.5 grams, Customs and Border Protection officers are highly skilled at detecting and intercepting illicit narcotics that passengers attempt to smuggle through our nation’s ports of entry,” said Christopher Hess, CBP port director for the Port of Washington in a prepared statement. “Those caught face serious consequences – from a significant monetary penalty to criminal charges and incarceration. This passenger learned that costly lesson.”