Highlights
What came as a big surprise, Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix’s brother Jeremy Madix was arrested at the Orlando International Airport for trying to smuggle 100 pounds of marijuana to Frankfurt, Germany. The event which happened on February 16, saw Madix and his partner Jonah Ahad being denied entry through the security check with their contraband. Customs and Border Agents found a total of 95 bags of marijuana concealed in the two suspects’ baggage. This case has attracted attention not only because of the large amount of drugs seized but also because of Jeremy’s link to reality show star Ariana Madix.
The Airport Bust: A Failed Case of International Drug Smuggling
Jeremy Madix and Jonah Ahad were caught at Orlando International Airport on February 16 with the intention of flying to Frankfurt, Germany. But their plan was foiled during the security search that was conducted as a norm. Customs and Border Agents got alerted and searched their luggage more carefully. The results were staggering: Jeremy’s two suitcases had 64 bags of marijuana, which in total weighed 76 pounds; Jonah’s bag had 31 additional bags with 37 pounds of marijuana.
The court documents revealed a crucial detail that sealed their fate: as for the luggage, both suspects had their names written in big letters on their tags. This oversight made it almost impossible for them to feign ignorance on the ownership of the banned items. When confronted by the authorities, both Madix and Ahad exercised their right to silence, they did not speak to anyone without their lawyers.
Punitive Measures and Postponed Apprehensions
However, the arrests were not carried out at the time the drugs were found, but later on. However, the authorities preferred to work on constructing more solid evidence before they could arrest the suspects. Jonah Ahad was the first of the two to be arrested in the month of May while Jeremy Madix was arrested more recently on a Tuesday. Both men are now charged with serious offenses of trafficking in cannabis and if convicted they could face long periods of imprisonment.
The late apprehension of the suspects may have been an indication of police looking into links to a bigger drug cartel. It enabled them to assemble more evidence and, perhaps, recognize other people engaged in the fraud.
Jeremy Madix’s Bid for Release and Character Testimonials
After his arrest, Jeremy Madix did not waste time to seek bond to be released from the detention. As part of his evidence in mitigation, he provided the court with character witness certificates of people close to him. Perhaps the most compelling of them was the one given by his mother, Tanya Madix, who described her son as a loving and responsible individual. She said, “He is a wonderful loving son. When he visits he always takes care of anything I want done at my house. He is a kind person. He is always sure to check in on me.”
Another significant character reference came from an unexpected source: Ignacio “Rob” Gracia, a Deputy Sheriff of the Air Support Division of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Gracia, a Helicopter Pilot, testified on the character of Jeremy as being one of the most caring persons she had ever met and very reliable, her words were, “Jeremy is one of the most caring persons I have ever met, there is no trace of ill will in him, he is always there for me, any time I need a friend to talk to, he is there.
These character references are in sharp contrast to the serious drug trafficking charges Jeremy now stands accused of. They reveal the multifaceted aspect of people engaged in criminal activities and the consequences which such actions may bring to the individual’s interpersonal life.
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The case has received much media coverage because of the large amount of marijuana that was seized as well as because of Jeremy’s association with Ariana Madix, a Vanderpump Rules cast member. This association has brought the case to the limelight and people are wondering about the consequences it will have on Ariana’s career and reputation.
