September 16, 09

NEWS / NEXUS Driver Stopped with Marijuana at International Bridge

Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the International Bridge in Sault Sainte Marie, encountered a member of the NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program who had marijuana in his possession when he attempted to enter the country on Friday, September 11.


The driver, a 29-year-old Canadian citizen from Sarnia, Ontario, arrived at the bridge at approximately 3:57 p.m., Friday, September 11. The driver told the officer that he had nothing to declare (alcohol, tobacco, etc.). The officer referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area for a more thorough exam.


Officers, conducting a physical exam of the car, discovered a bag containing a green leafy substance. The substance was tested and found to be marijuana. The driver admitted ownership of the bag and its contents, approximately 3.8 grams of marijuana and was assessed a $500 penalty.


The driver, a member of one of Customs and Border Protection’s Trusted Traveler Programs, NEXUS, had his card revoked, removing him from the program.


“As a NEXUS member, this individual was considered a low risk, compliant, trusted traveler,” stated Port Director Devin Chamberlain. “He violated that trust by being in possession of a prohibited substance as he crossed the border and immediate removal from the program is one of the costs for that violation.”


Travelers who participate in the NEXUS program are afforded expedited processing when crossing the border. As a participant in one of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, travelers are bestowed with a higher level of trust and confidence in regards to security when crossing the border and violations of this trust will not be tolerated.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/09152009.xml