U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Buffalo Port of Entry’s Lewiston Bridge border crossing arrested two Canadian citizens on March 21 after discovering multiple bags of marijuana hidden in their vehicle.
The arrests highlight ongoing efforts by CBP to prevent illegal drugs from entering the United States. Officers found six vacuum-sealed bags containing approximately six pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of over $16,000.
According to CBP, Andrea Seivewright, 43, was driving a Mercedes Benz SUV with Ontario plates when a narcotics detector dog alerted officers to the vehicle. After escorting the car and its occupants—Seivewright and Daniel Hughes, 35—to a secondary inspection area, officers scanned the vehicle and detected anomalies in both the rear quarter panel and trunk door. The subsequent search led to the discovery of the concealed drugs.
"Our highly trained K-9 team played a critical role in the successful interdiction of narcotics concealed within a vehicle. The detection abilities of our canine and diligence of our officers led to the discovery and seizure of illegal substances, and the transfer of two suspects to local authorities for criminal prosecution," said Acting Port Director Sharon Swiatek.
Both individuals were turned over to Lewiston Police Department authorities who charged them with felony second-degree possession of marijuana. Officials emphasized that criminal charges are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
CBP reports that its officers seize an average of about 1,600 pounds of dangerous drugs each day across air, sea, and land ports nationwide. At ports like Lewiston Bridge, CBP's mission includes screening travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics as well as other prohibited items that could threaten public safety or economic security.
