⏱ 2 min read
A Giles County man allegedly brought in over 11 kg of the potent psychedelic DMT, which Customs agents found hidden in packages from Brazil. Charles Herman Aardema III, 28, faces charges for importing the substance and redistributing it across the US.
According to investigators, between November 2020 and April 2021, CBP intercepted four parcels containing a total of 20 kg of DMT powder headed for Aardema’s Ripplemead home. In one package, officers discovered multiple plastic bags containing the reddish powder, later confirmed to be DMT.
Aardema claimed to have ordered the DMT for ‘tie-dying,’ despite having no equipment or dye. He also admitted to reshipping smaller quantities of Mimosa hostilis powder to several individuals, as directed by his Brazilian contact, Raul Wictor Silva Batista.
While on bond, Aardema continued to deal LSD and DMT, arranging multiple controlled purchases with undercover police in March and April 2025. The transactions took place on the Virginia Tech campus.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Virginia
- Location: VA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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