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  4. CBP Enforcement Activities at the International Bridge Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan - June 2010

CBP Enforcement Activities at the International Bridge Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan - June 2010

Release Date
Thu, 07/15/2010

Sault Ste Marie, Mich. - During the month of June, Sault Ste. Marie Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the International Bridge processed approximately 141,000 travelers. Officers successfully interdicted 47 offenders of federal, state or local laws.

June was an active month for the officers as they participated in a variety of enforcement actions ranging from alien smuggling interdiction to vessel boarding.

CBP officers worked jointly with other Department of Homeland Security partners, such as CBP Air and Marine, Border Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard to board and inspect a commercial tug and barge. One of the crewmembers was the subject of an outstanding warrant for drug trafficking. Cooperation by all agencies was instrumental in the safe and efficient execution of this warrant.

A lawful permanent resident of the United States attempted to smuggle her German husband into the United States inside a hockey bag in the rear of her vehicle. The husband was inadmissible to the United States due to criminal convictions in his home country. Both subjects were arrested on federal charges.

During the month of June, CBP officers also seized over $115,000 in undeclared currency, handguns and various other seizures.

Drugs are often interdicted at the Sault Ste Marie port of entry; however, the concealment methods can be extreme. One Canadian citizen was arrested after attempting to smuggle almost six grams of marijuana inside her body.

While the above violations are significant, the vast majority of travelers encountered by CBP at the International Bridge are law-abiding citizens. These travelers help to foster trade and bolster the economies between the twin Saults. "Our highly-trained officers are able to apply their education and experience in a variety of circumstances with incredible results," said Port Director Devin Chamberlain. "Their ability to facilitate the legitimate travelers while concentrating enforcement efforts on others is truly impressive."

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 keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021