Feds say LAX worker and friend caught with 24 pounds of fentanyl in airport bathroom

Authorities say the haul was about 11 kilograms, or 24.3 pounds, of fentanyl.

Miguel Angel Tuz-Noh and Anthony Olvera were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Tuz-Noh, 24, of Lennox, works at Los Angeles International Airport.

Tuz-Noh is an employee of a service provider at LAX.

Authorities say the fentanyl was found in an airport bathroom.

Authorities say the fentanyl was meant for a Minnesota-bound flight.

On Aug. 19, law enforcement observed Tuz-Noh and Olvera attempt to exchange narcotics in a men's bathroom at an LAX terminal.

Both defendants were arrested on Aug. 19.

If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life.

Anthony Olvera, 23, of Lennox, is the second defendant.

Officers detained both men shortly after the bathroom encounter.

Officers searched a duffle bag Olvera had been carrying.

The fentanyl was packed in 10 brick-type packages.

They made initial appearances on Aug. 21 in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

An affidavit says law enforcement believes Tuz-Noh has ties to a drug trafficking organization.

A federal magistrate judge released each on $10,000 bond.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating the case.

Law enforcement believes Olvera had agreed to fly with the fentanyl to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Arraignments are scheduled for Sept. 17.