Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

'Prescreened' driver suspected of trying to bring marijuana into U.S.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer ^ | 4/2/08 | HECTOR CASTRO

Posted on 04/02/2008 9:29:35 PM PDT by kiriath_jearim

Border Patrol agents arrested a man this week who was signed up for the Nexus program, an electronic pass program in which members submit to background checks in return for a speedier crossing at the border.

Despite that extra layer of security, the 41-year-old Lacey man was found with 4.4 pounds of what authorities said was high-grade marijuana in the cargo area of his 1999 Jeep Cherokee.

Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the man tried to cross into the United States at 8:47 p.m. Sunday, pulling into the Nexus lane.

Spokesman Mike Milne said that special lane closes at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Agents selected the man for an intense search, though Milne declined to say whether the man was caught up in a random screening or if something about the vehicle raised suspicions.

But during the ensuing inspection, a box was found in the vehicle. When officers opened it, they found what they said were four sealed packages of marijuana, packed with coffee grounds.

"People think that by packing (marijuana) in coffee grounds, it will throw the canine detector off," Milne said -- though no drug detection dogs were used in the search, he said.

After finding the drugs, the officers arrested the driver. The amount of marijuana was not enough for a federal indictment, so the man was handed over to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, which will pursue the case.

The Nexus program began in June 2002 and was meant to allow people who cross the border frequently a way of avoiding the long lines at the U.S.-Canadian border.

Participants in the program undergo a background screening, including a personal interview, and are then issued a card with an embedded radio transponder.

The drivers can wave the card at a receiver, which allows border agents to view the person's background information and photo, Milne said.

There are about 50,000 people in the program, and though they are generally considered to be low-risk travelers, this was not the first Nexus participant to be arrested. "It's not a perfect program, and you're not exempt from inspection," Milne said.


TOPICS: Canada; Crime/Corruption; Foreign Affairs; Government
KEYWORDS: aliens; drugs; immigration

1 posted on 04/02/2008 9:29:36 PM PDT by kiriath_jearim
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim

The most devious criminals have no arrest record


2 posted on 04/02/2008 9:38:44 PM PDT by KTM rider (McCain '08, ....better than the alternative)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim

Officials became suspicious when the suspect pulled up to the border security booth window, began giggling uncontrollably and eating twinkies.


3 posted on 04/02/2008 9:40:30 PM PDT by Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh

It probably didn’t help his case to refer to himself, the border patrol agents, and various traffic cones as “Dude!”


4 posted on 04/02/2008 9:59:21 PM PDT by sthguard
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim

papers? we don’t need no stinkin papers.


5 posted on 04/02/2008 10:15:33 PM PDT by Operation_Shock_N_Awe (Tell St Peter at the Golden Gate that you hates to make him wait)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Operation_Shock_N_Awe

He brought in 4.4 pounds of weed. We defeintely need papers!

(preferebly zig zags)


6 posted on 04/02/2008 10:26:35 PM PDT by Nate505
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Operation_Shock_N_Awe

Yes you could use some rollin papers.


7 posted on 04/02/2008 10:27:41 PM PDT by purpleraine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim

ping for later


8 posted on 04/02/2008 11:03:21 PM PDT by sionnsar (trad-anglican.faithweb.com |Iran Azadi| 5yst3m 0wn3d - it's N0t Y0ur5 (SONY) | UN: Useless Nations)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim
Let's here it for illegal drug dealers...how they're just looking for a better life...or actual buyers with money. Photobucket
9 posted on 04/02/2008 11:40:22 PM PDT by xuberalles ("Barack Obama: Change Is A Dime Bag!" http://www.cafepress.com/titillatingtees.225246874)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: spectre; truthkeeper; processing please hold; antceecee; navymom1; jaredt112; Edgerunner; ...

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
This is a ping list promoting Immigration Enforcement and Congressional Reform.
If you wish to be added or removed from this ping list, please contact me.

Obama scoffs at deportations (for illegals)

Freshman Democrats Feel Heat on Immigration

Lawmakers Push For National Cesar Chavez Holiday

Mexico Security Memo: March 31, 2008

Feds to Fly More Drones Along US Borders

Hispanic Leaders Fear Patrols Will Spark Violence

BP agent rescues driverless vehicle[full of illegal aliens]

The Supreme Court Stands Alone

10 posted on 04/03/2008 4:23:30 AM PDT by bcsco (To heck with a third party. We need a second one....)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: kiriath_jearim

I thought the post was about another swift transportation driver. But then he may be at that!


11 posted on 04/03/2008 3:34:12 PM PDT by org.whodat (What's the difference between a Democrat and a republican????)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson