Border bust yields marijuana haul
Toolbox
Times Argus Staff - Published: February 9, 2010
BURLINGTON – In a marijuana bust at the U.S.-Canada border last week, authorities seized nearly $1 million worth of marijuana that was being smuggled into the country in hockey bags, according to papers filed in federal court in Burlington.
The investigation near Newport Center led federal authorities to file a criminal complaint against Kenneth Smith, of North Troy, for conspiracy to import marijuana, court papers show.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents arrested Smith on Feb. 3 after being notified of activity near the border by a remote electronic sensor that had been placed on a road that extends to the border, according to court records.
When they pulled over Smith's sport-utility vehicle, police said, they found four hockey bags containing vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana.
Police estimated that the marijuana, which weighed 240 pounds in all, is worth $957,000.
Smith agreed to speak with authorities and said he was being paid $10,000 to $15,000 for picking up the drugs, court papers show. He said two men came out of the woods with flashlights and loaded the bags.
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