BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo seized 2,959 lbs. of marijuana in a commercial shipment manifested as articles of cement.
On July 22, CBP officers assigned to the Peace Bridge encountered a 45-year-old male Canadian citizen who was the driver of a commercial tractor trailer. The driver claimed he was transporting a shipment containing articles of cement. CBP officers referred the truck over for further inspection and upon physical examination of the shipment, 12 wooden pallet boxes were discovered in the trailer that contained multiple vacuum sealed packages of marijuana. The total weight of the marijuana was determined to be 2,959 lbs. with an estimated street value of more than $6 million dollars. The driver was refused entry into the U.S. and returned to Canada pending further investigation.
marijuana.
“Since travel restrictions began at the border, we have continued to see criminal organizations attempt to exploit perceived vulnerabilities, especially in the commercial environment,” said Port Director Jennifer De La O. “I am extremely proud of our CBP officers who have remained vigilant and enforcement focused during these unprecedented times. Their selfless efforts have yet again led to an impressive seizure of narcotics preventing these drugs from entering our communities.”
This seizure adds to the already massive increase in drug seizures within the Buffalo Field Office. From October 1, 2019 through July 23, 2020, ports within the Buffalo Field Office, which covers 16 ports of entry throughout New York State, have made over 1,500 narcotic seizures totaling more than 23,500 pounds.
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