U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, assisted by a K9, have made another significant drug bust at the Detroit-Windsor border, seizing nearly 200 pounds of cocaine destined for Canada. This marks the third such incident since March.
The latest seizure took place on April 20, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stopped a transport truck. The truck, which was otherwise empty, contained two duffel bags holding 193 pounds (87.55 kilograms) of cocaine. Officers discovered the drugs after conducting a search of the trailer, which had been selected for examination. The cocaine was confirmed through subsequent testing.
Authorities have charged a Canadian man with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in connection with the bust. An affidavit from a U.S. Homeland Security agent reveals details from the accused’s arrest. According to the affidavit, the man claimed to have entered the U.S. to transport vegetables to Georgia, but his truck broke down in Tennessee. He said his shipment was transferred to another driver, and he then headed back to Canada without a trailer. He was later dispatched by his company to retrieve what he thought was an empty trailer at a truck stop in Kentucky. However, authorities say he actually picked up the trailer in Michigan on April 20, and was arrested while attempting to cross into Canada.
This is the third instance since March 22 where a large shipment of cocaine has been intercepted at the border. On April 15, U.S. authorities seized 339 pounds (154 kilograms) of cocaine near the Ambassador Bridge, arresting an Indian national in connection with the drugs. The first bust took place on March 21, when 116 pounds (52.96 kilograms) of cocaine were found in a truck near the same bridge.
