see also: in February 2007 News Releases:   Border Officers Respond To Medical Emergency   Federal Authorities Seize Narcotics Valued at More Than $15 Million in Caribbean   Spring Breakers: Get Your Passports Now   CBP Seizes 403 Pounds of Undeclared Cheese, Two Vehicles at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge   U.S.-Canada Trusted Air Traveler Program Expands   CBP Border Patrol Agents Rescue 56 Aliens from Truck   ACE Mandated for E-manifest Filing at Border Ports in Michigan and New York ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Champlain, New York - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced the seizure of almost 20 pounds of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment, resulting in a federal arrest.

On February 13, CBP Officers conducting an outbound enforcement operation encountered a 37 year-old Canadian citizen (name withheld for investigative purposes) as he attempted to leave the United States via the Champlain New York port of entry. The subject claimed to be returning to Canada after an overnight trip to Stowe, VT. The subject was selected for a secondary inspection.

During the course of the inspection, CBP officers discovered an after-market hidden compartment in the vehicle. Upon accessing the compartment, CBP officers recovered eight duct-taped bundles. The bundles were found to contain nearly twenty pounds of a white powder substance that later field tested positive as cocaine.

"This is the largest cocaine seizure in the Champlain port of entry in recent years, and has a street value of approximately $750,000" stated CBP Public Affairs officer Kevin Corsaro.

The subject was arrested on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and turned over to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's office.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security responsible for the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.