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  4. CBP's Seattle Field Office seizes nearly 134 pounds of cocaine in Blaine

CBP's Seattle Field Office seizes nearly 134 pounds of cocaine in Blaine

Release Date
Thu, 05/14/2020

Narcotics valued at an estimated $3 million

BLAINE, Wash. ― U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations-Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested a man and seized nearly 134 pounds of cocaine, with an estimated value of $3 million, at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry on Saturday.

“This arrest and seizure highlight the teamwork involved in securing our borders,” said Adele Fasano, Director of Field Operations, Seattle Field Office. “Through the vigilance of CBP officers and HSI special agents, we were able to prevent these dangerous narcotics from ending up in our communities.”

The seizure occurred during an outbound inspection when CBP officers referred a tractor-trailer driven by Ajitpal Sanghera, a Canadian citizen, for additional examination. While searching the trailer, CBP officers found five small duffle bags on the floor. Inside the duffle bags, officers found 50 plastic wrapped packages containing cocaine.

Upon discovery of the cocaine, CBP officers took Sanghera into custody and ev

Pacific Highway POE
CBP officers at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry
in Blaine, Washington, seized an estimated $3 million
in cocaine Saturday.

entually transferred him over to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office along with the narcotics.

“This illicit drug seizure was only made possible through the hard work and excellent coordination between Customs and Border Protection and members the HSI-led Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST),” said Eben Roberts, acting special agent in charge of HSI Seattle. “Even during these times of heightened stress and uncertainty, our dedicated law enforcement officers are still out in the community working to remove dangerous drugs from the streets and I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”

Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations.  Defendants are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021