Ryan J. Scudder Executive Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo recently intercepted ecstasy pills, ecstasy gummies, and marijuana bricks in two commercial shipments at the Peace Bridge border crossing. The shipments were labeled as “scented candles” and “candle-kids toy,” but anomalies prompted further inspection by CBP officers.
The officers used an X-ray exam to reveal ecstasy pills hidden within a candle, ecstasy gummies in small metal tin containers, and two vacuum-sealed-compacted marijuana bricks. Field tests confirmed the substances as ecstasy and marijuana. The ecstasy weighed over one pound with a street value exceeding $20,000, while the marijuana weighed more than four pounds with an estimated value of over $10,000.
Area Port Director Gaetano Cordone stated, “Our CBP officers’ knowledge of concealment methods, along with their use of available assets and technology played a key role in the discovery of these narcotics.” He emphasized the commitment of CBP officers to protect communities from illicit drugs.
The smuggling attempt is under investigation by CBP. The agency describes itself as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s borders and facilitating lawful travel and trade.