$3 MILLION DRUG BUST AT HIGHGATE BORDER
By Mike Donoghue
County Courier Correspondent
HIGHGATE SPRINGS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers say they found more than 1,400 pounds of marijuana hidden inside kitchen cabinets in a truck at the U.S.-Canadian border crossing.
The federal agents had selected the large truck hauling the cabinets for a secondary inspection at the port of entry as it tried to enter Vermont from Quebec on Dec. 28.
Authorities said the 1,432 pounds of marijuana had an estimated value of more than $3 million if it reached the streets.
“Our team of officers remains focused on their mission throughout the ongoing travel restrictions at the border,” said Eileen Bigelow, area port director in St. Albans.
“We know that smuggling organizations will try to exploit perceived opportunities but our officers continue to demonstrate their dedication to stopping illegal activity.”
There were no immediate arrests announced.
This was believed to be the largest marijuana seizure by CBP officers in New England in recent years.
CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products.
