United States v. Rafael Velarde

Two police officers observed Rafael Ve-larde walk rapidly through the Honolulu International Airport, abruptly change his path of travel on a few occasions, and nervously glance around as if checking for signs of police surveillance. The officers stopped Ve-larde and asked him questions about his travel plans. After receiving his permission, they searched his shoulder bag and discovered approximately one kilogram of cocaine. Velarde was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). When the district court denied his…