Driver Making U-Turn On Peace Bridge Busted For 13 Pounds Of Weed

A U-turn at the Peace Bridge turned into a drug bust for one driver in Buffalo. The incident took place on Sunday, April 9, 2023, and involved a Rochester man.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge discovered and seized multiple vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana. The driver accidentally ended up at the border crossing and did not intend to travel into Canada. The 25-year-old Rochester man, quite possibly panicking knowing what he was transporting, made an illegal turn on the United States side of the bridge. He then entered the primary inspection area and gave CBP officers with a fake name. When officers asked the man for identification verification, he couldn't provide any. They then took the driver to a secondary inspection area.

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During the secondary examination, CBP officers figured out the man's real identity. During a search of the vehicle they allegedly found a suspicious duffle bag behind the driver's seat of the vehicle. Officers allegedly found multiple vacuum-sealed bags that tested positive for marijuana. The 13 pounds of marijuana have an estimated street value of $33,000. Buffalo Assistant Port Director Dawn Caltagirone said,

Our CBP officers continue to perform their jobs at the highest levels. Their training, unmatched skillset and experience help to remove narcotics like these from our community.

The driver was taken into custody and processed by CBP officers before being turned over to Buffalo Police custody. He is facing felony charges for Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the First Degree.