see also: in May 2005 Press Releases:   Machine Readable Passports Required for all Visa Waiver Program Travel as of June 26, 2005   CBP Officers Rescue Screaming Woman at Calexico   CBP Border Patrol Intercepts Over 8 Tons of Marijuana   Brazil Will Participate in Container Security Initiative to Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Announces the Arrival of Nine New Puppies   CBP Officers Seize Almost Two Tons of Marijuana at Calexico Port   Tips For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Traveling Abroad ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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BLAINE, Wash. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Pacific Highway crossing seized approximately 227 pounds of B.C. bud marijuana here yesterday. The marijuana has an estimated value of $ 680,000.

Officers working in the southbound traffic lanes discovered the marijuana in the back of a private vehicle during a routine secondary inspection.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested the Canadian driver of the vehicle, Altaf Merali, 37, of Surrey, British Columbia. Merali is an inspector with Canada Border Services Agency. Also arrested in the case is Jason Dean Smith, 20, of Stanwood, WA. Both will be charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Merali and Smith had their initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Seattle this afternoon. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle. The ICE investigation is continuing.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.