North Hudson, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Swanton Sector running a checkpoint in North Hudson, NY successfully intercepted a human smuggling case and also arrested two subjects who were in possession of a controlled substance during the 4-day operation. The sector established checkpoints on Interstate 87 near North Hudson and on Highway 11 near Tupper Lake in New York September 14 - 17. Swanton Sector agents encountered and arrested nine people who did not possess valid immigration status including one who was arrested on charges of alien smuggling.
“Immigration checkpoints are part of the defense in depth strategy utilized by the Border Patrol to help accomplish our border security mission,” said Patrol Agent in Charge Norman Lague. “One of the main goals of a checkpoint is to disrupt human smuggling operations where individuals who have recently entered the country illegally across the international border are being transported further into the U.S.”
operations in upstate New York.
On September 17, agents encountered a vehicle with four occupants. During the course of the interview, agents determined all four lacked proof of admission and the driver was involved in smuggling the three occupants into the country illegally, after they had recently crossed the international boundary between the United States and Canada. The driver was charged with 8 USC 1324 for Alien Smuggling and the three occupants with 8 USC 1325 for illegal entry.
While conducting an immigration checkpoint operation, agents may also encounter subjects with illegal contraband. This can lead to prosecution against the subjects who are carrying these illicit drugs into their community.
On September 14, agents arrested two subjects found to be in possession of various controlled substances and a small amount of marijuana. The two subjects, age 25 and 26, both from Saranac, NY, were each arrested for 5 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree. They were in possession of approximately 300 Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and other controlled substances at the time of their arrest. One was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana for possessing concentrated cannabis and a smoking device with marijuana residue. Both subjects were turned over to the New York State Police for local prosecution.
The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York. The assistance of citizens is invaluable to their border security mission and they welcome community members to help them keep our nation’s borders safe and report suspicious activity at 1-800-689-3362.
For more on Customs and Border Protection’s mission at our nation’s ports of entry with CBP officers and along U.S. borders with Border Patrol agents, please visit the Border Security section of the CBP website.