(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with the Des Moines Police Department posted on social media, Friday, that the Department’s Narcotics K9 “Blaise” sniffed out more than 50 pounds of marijuana at the Des Moines International Airport on Thursday.

Investigators received an anonymous tip Thursday that a large shipment of marijuana was headed to Des Moines on an airplane from Las Vegas. Investigators were able to identify the luggage believed to contain the marijuana, and then K9 Blaise went to work.

After a quick sniff of the exterior of the luggage, K9 Blaise alerted to the odor of narcotics. Investigators began surveillance of the luggage.

Dsm PD Facebook photo

21-year-old Tanitoluwa Arogundade was detained by investigators after he claimed the luggage. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the luggage and discovered over 50 pounds of marijuana.
Arogundade has been charged with the following offenses:
• Controlled Substance Violation (Class D felony)
• Failure To Affix A Drug Tax Stamp (Class D felony)

An investigation into the incident continues.

Des Moines Police said “The exceptional abilities of our K9’s enhances our day to day efficiency and effectiveness. In 2023, our K9 Unit played a vital role in many of the narcotics-related investigations in our city; investigations that led to the seizure of over 300 pounds of illegal drugs.” The drugs were valued at over $5-million.