Passenger Ejected From PDX Flight Over Marijuana Discovery

WHO:

KPTV - Zachariah Primus, 38, of Carmel, New York

KATU - Port of Portland police, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Alaska Airlines

WHAT:

KPTV - A significant amount of marijuana was found in Primus's checked luggage.

KPTV - Primus faces multiple felony charges: illegal import or export of marijuana items, unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

KATU - The suitcase contained a large vacuum-sealed bag with several smaller black plastic bags weighing nearly 30 pounds and containing marijuana buds.

KPTV - Primus possessed more than 256 ounces (16 pounds) of usable marijuana.

WHERE:

KPTV - Portland International Airport (PDX)

KATU - The suitcase was destined for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Alaska Airlines Flight AS18.

WHEN:

KPTV - Primus was arrested after being instructed to return to the gate.

KPTV - Primus was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and released later that day on his own recognizance.

KATU - Primus was arraigned on July 2.

KATU - Primus's next court appearance is scheduled for July 30.

HOW:

KPTV - TSA screeners flagged the checked luggage for containing marijuana.

KATU - Surveillance video showed Primus arriving at the airport and checking the suitcase.

(UPDATED July 4, 2026 07:52 UTC)

Zachariah Primus, a 38-year-old from Carmel, New York, was arrested at Portland International Airport after TSA screeners flagged his checked luggage, which contained nearly 30 pounds of marijuana. The suitcase, destined for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Alaska Airlines Flight AS18, held a large vacuum-sealed bag filled with smaller bags of marijuana buds, leading to multiple felony charges against Primus, including illegal import and unlawful possession. Primus was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and released later that day on his own recognizance, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 30.