A 43-year-old U.S. man who accidentally drove into Canada was arrested after returning to the United States with 78 pounds of marijuana hidden in a rental truck.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the man was following GPS directions when he unknowingly crossed the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York into Fort Erie, Ontario. Realizing the mistake, he turned around to head back into the U.S., telling officers his vehicle was empty.
During a routine inspection, officers discovered several boxes in the back of the truck. A deeper search revealed 60 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana, with an estimated street value of around $230,000 USD ($312,000 CAD).
The man was taken into custody and turned over to the Buffalo Police Department. Authorities say he is expected to be charged with criminal possession of cannabis.
“This seizure highlights the professionalism of our officers in intercepting illegal narcotics at our border crossings,” said Gaetano Cordone, CBP’s Area Port Director.
