U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers here seized $373,000 and 127 pounds of marijuana concealed in a false roof compartment of a Canadian truck. The truck and trailer arrived at the port of entry Saturday night at 8 p.m. carrying a shipment of aluminum railing components bound for California.
CBP officers referred the truck/trailer for a Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) x-ray type examination which revealed a possible anomaly in the roof area of the tractor. Further inspection of the area revealed a hydraulic-operated compartment behind some shelving which concealed the marijuana and currency. The contraband had apparently been sprayed with oleoresin capsicum (OC spray) and vinegar in an attempt to defeat inspection by CBP K-9 units.
"Narcotics and currency smuggling in the Pacific Northwest continues to be a border security threat," said Pat Hinchey, CBP Sumas area port director. "Our CBP officers will maintain their vigilance in protecting our nation’s borders from the many threats we face daily."
The currency, marijuana (valued at $381,000 USD) and the truck and trailer were all seized by CBP officers. The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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