[Sativa]

More than $1 million worth of marijuana was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Pacific Highway border crossing last week.

Corey Wirsz, 24, of Chilliwack, was arrested at the scene after 423 pounds of “highly potent B.C. bud” was discovered in a trailer during a cargo examination last Thursday night, according to a press release.

The truck and trailer, worth $175,000, were also seized.

Emily Langlie, public affairs officer for the U.S. Attorney’s office, said Wirsz is charged with one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and is currently being held at a federal detention centre in SeaTac, Wash.

She said Wirsz is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing today (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. in Seattle where it will be determined if he can be released, pending trial.

Wirsz was a participant in the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program, a joint initiative between Canada and the U.S., which allows pre-approved importers, carriers and registered drivers to be cleared into either country faster than regular border lineups.

Participants undergo criminal history checks under the FAST program, and Wirsz had been identified by both Canadian and American authorities as low-risk.

At the border, Mike Milne, CBP public affairs officer, said Wirsz maintained he was going into Washington to pick up cargo.

A CBP officer directed him to the port’s gamma-ray facility for examination.

“We try to send as many commercial trucks as we can through the (gamma-ray facility),” Milne said, adding that the technology is more efficient than manually checking vehicles.

After the scan, the trailer was sent to the loading dock for additional scrutiny where CBP officers discovered the marijuana, packed in numerous vacuum-sealed bags, under the floorboards of the trailer.



News Hawk- User http://www.420Magazine.com
Source: Peace Arch News
Author: Hannah Sutherland
Contact: Peace Arch News
Copyright: 2007 Peace Arch News
Website: BCNG Portals Page (R)