The arrest occurred on Monday when agents from the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD) and members of the Specialized Airport Security Corps (CESAC) conducted a routine inspection of incoming passengers from New York.

According to officials, security scanners detected suspicious images in the woman’s suitcase. After obtaining authorization from the Public Ministry prosecutor on duty, authorities conducted a search in the presence of the suspect.

Three packages and several portions of a substance presumed to be marijuana were found hidden among clothing and wrapped in black covers.

Authorities also confiscated the woman’s cell phone, personal documents, clothing, and $16,107 in cash as evidence in the case.

The American national has been transferred to the Permanent Attention Court in Santo Domingo Province, where she is expected to face formal charges and a hearing for preventative detention measures in the coming hours.

The seized substance has been sent to the National Institute of Forensic Sciences (INACIF) for testing and confirmation.