January 26, 2009

MONTREAL MAN INDICTED FOR MARIJUANA TRAFFICKING

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated Carl Provost, 25, of Montreal, Quebec, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of approximately 57 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute. On January 23, 2009, Provost was arraigned on the Indictment and pleaded not guilty. Provost was arrested on January 10, 2009 and has been ordered detained pending trial. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

Court documents allege that Provost entered the United States from Canada on the morning of January 10, 2009 at the Alburg, Vermont Port of Entry. Once in the United States, Provost headed west on a dirt road known as the Line Road, which runs east-west just south of the border. Provost then stopped along the road and a man came running out of the tree line to the north of the road, came to the stopped vehicle and then ran back north. Provost’s vehicle then drove off at high speed. Border Patrol Agents soon stopped the vehicle. A drug dog alerted on the vehicle and a search of the trunk revealed two hockey type bags. A search of the bags disclosed approximately 57 pounds of marijuana.

If convicted, Provost faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The United States Attorney stated that the Indictment is an accusation only and that Provost is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Provost is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Gelber.