United States v. Lucinda Palmer

This appeal is taken from conviction of importation of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841 (a)(1). Appellant was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport customs area on her arrival from Panama, when a search revealed her possession of twenty-four ounces of cocaine.

The search was conducted by a female customs inspector. She first noticed that appellant was walking in a manner (“strained, with little mincing steps”) that in the inspector’s experience indicated either that appellant’s suitcase was unusually heavy or that she was wearing something that restricted her movements. The suitcase, on examination, proved not to be heavy enough to account for appellant’s manner of walking. Appellant was passed through, left the customs area and went to the baggage claim area. Five to seven minutes later, the customs inspector located her there and asked her to return to the customs area for further examination. Appellant’s strained manner of walking persisted, even though she was no longer carrying her suitcase. The inspector gave appellant a patdown that disclosed that she was wearing a girdle. With reference to this…