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  4. Border Patrol Agents Interdict more than $100,000 worth of Marijuana in Upstate New York

Border Patrol Agents Interdict more than $100,000 worth of Marijuana in Upstate New York

Release Date
Thu, 04/04/2019

HOGANSBURG, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents, with the assistance of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police (SRMTP) and the New York State Police (NYSP), arrested a U.S. citizen involved in transporting approximately 50 pounds of marijuana near Hogansburg yesterday.

More than $100,000 worth of marijuana seized by Border Patrol in upstate New York
More than $100,000 worth of marijuana
seized by Border Patrol in upstate New York

Early Wednesday, April 3, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Massena Border Patrol Station performed a vehicle stop on a red pick-up truck in the parking lot of a hotel in Hogansburg.  The sole occupant and driver of the vehicle was Kyle Hemings, age 50, of Central Square, NY.  With the help of a K9 team from the SRMTP, agents discovered approximately 50 pounds of marijuana hidden in luggage located in the extended cab of the truck.  The street value of the marijuana is more than $100,000. 

“The outstanding law enforcement partnerships in upstate New York are critical to border security.” said Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia.  “I would like to thank the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police and the New York State Police for working with us to interdict this marijuana smuggling event.” 

The driver was taken into custody and was transported to the Massena Station for further processing. After initial processing by the U.S. Border Patrol, Mr. Hemings and the marijuana were turned over to the New York State Police.  Hemings faces felony charges of Criminal Possession of Marijuana 1st degree. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York. The coordination with assistance of citizens is invaluable to the Border Patrol's border security mission and we welcome community members' help to keep our nation’s borders safe. Please report suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.

For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021