NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Niagara Falls Station responded to suspicious activity at the Whirlpool State Park and discovered multiple packages containing approximately $250,000 in marijuana.
On June 17, a concerned citizen called New York State Parks Police to report suspicious activity they witnessed in the Whirlpool State Park while walking the trail along the lower Niagara River at approximately 2:00 A.M. The citizen observed a person dragging what appeared to be multiple plastic wrapped packages. When discovered, the suspicious person fled from the area leaving the packages behind. The concerned citizen reported the suspicious activity to the New York State Parks Police who arrived on scene and subsequently contacted the Border Patrol, due to the proximity to the Canadian border.
N.Y. discovered $250,000 in marijuana on the
U.S.- Canadian Border.
U.S. Border Patrol agents responded, and the contents of the packages field-tested positive for the properties of marijuana. A search of the area for suspects and/or other contraband was conducted with the assistance of the Buffalo Air Unit, Air and Marine Operations and the New York State Police and Parks Police. Ten packages with a total weight of 118 pounds were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.
“This demonstrates the valuable relationship we have with our community and the citizens of Niagara Falls and the importance of being vigilant to suspicious behavior near the border. With their help, our agents and local area partners continue to prevent the illegal smuggling of narcotics, people, weapons, and other contraband into the United States” said Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikel, of the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station.
The incident is currently under investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.
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