Ariana Madix’s Brother Busted for International Drug Trafficking

Ariana Madix’s Brother Busted for International Drug Trafficking  

Jeremy Madix, the brother of Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle over 100 pounds of cannabis on a flight to Germany.

According to an arrest warrant, Jeremy, 32, was stopped by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent at Orlando International Airport on February 16, 2024, around 8 p.m. local time. He was traveling with a friend, Jonah Ahad, heading to Frankfurt, Germany. TMZ was the first to report on the arrest.

The warrant details that the customs agent conducted a search of the pair’s three suitcases, which included two large black Tumi suitcases and a black Briggs & Riley suitcase. The search uncovered “a large amount of green leafy substance in vacuum-sealed bags” inside the suitcases. The substance was tested and returned a “presumptive positive” result for cannabis.

Following the search, an Orlando Police Department detective took custody of the suitcases. The detective alleged that the suitcases contained a total of 95 pounds of cannabis. Specifically, Jeremy’s suitcases were found to contain 64 vacuum-sealed bags weighing approximately 76 pounds of cannabis. Ahad’s suitcase was reported to have 31 bags totaling around 37 pounds of the substance.

Both Jeremy and Ahad were charged with trafficking in cannabis of more than 25 pounds or 300 plants, a charge under Florida law that carries a minimum sentence of three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Although the incident occurred over six months ago, Jeremy was not arrested until July 10, 2024. According to court documents filed on August 14 by Jeremy’s attorney, he was taken into custody at his home in Oceanside, California, and subsequently extradited to Florida.

The Orlando Police Department has not yet responded to requests for comment from PEOPLE.

In a court filing dated August 14, Jeremy’s attorneys requested that the judge set a “reasonable bond” for their client. The filing highlighted that Jeremy is employed and attending school in California, has a strong family support system, and should not be considered a flight risk. Jeremy’s mother, Tanya Madix, also submitted a letter to the court, describing her son as a “wonderful loving son” and a “kind person.”

“Over the past 10 years while living in California, he has thrived,” Tanya wrote. “He has a good job and is liked by his employer. He shares a home with his lovely fiancée Rachael and their two dogs. Jeremy is proud of his home and puts in much effort in beautifying the property.”

Ariana Madix, Jeremy’s sister, did not submit a letter to the judge, according to the court documents. In March 2024, Jeremy appeared on the PUMP RULES Podcast during the premiere party of The Valley and mentioned that he had not been in contact with his sister for several months.

“Obviously, I’m always going to stand by my sister,” Jeremy said, referring to Ariana’s high-profile breakup with Tom Sandoval after his affair with Raquel Leviss. “But yeah, I need to talk to Tom. I would love to talk to my sister, but I haven’t heard from her in months.”

As of the most recent court update, Jeremy’s bond has been set at $80,000, and he must surrender his passport within five days of being released on bond. It remains unclear whether he is still in custody in Florida.

 

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