SUMAS, Wash. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations at the Sumas Port of Entry took into custody a man wanted for alleged possession of a controlled substance. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) refused admission to Frank Alvarez Jr., an American, and two other American travel companions who were attempting to travel through Canada to Alaska. All three travelers were returned to the Sumas Port of Entry on December 23.
Sumas Port of Entry in Washington
When Alvarez was returned to CBP, a name check revealed he was the subject of a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) warrant for dangerous drugs. The warrant was issued by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office in Redding, California.
“This arrest typifies the close and professional working relationship between CBP and CBSA,” said Acting Area Port Director Kenneth L. Williams. “Apprehending felons with outstanding warrants is a critical element of our border security efforts. Our partnership ensures we keep our nations protected.”
NCIC is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. CBP officers on the U.S./Canadian border have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion, based on information from NCIC.