MedMan
12-27-2006, 04:23 AM
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers said they arrested a 29-year-old New York City-area woman at the Peace Bridge on Sunday after finding 15 pounds of hydroponic marijuana hidden inside the spare tire of her car.
The suspect, Khattena Johnston of Far Rockaway, told officers at the crossing that she was returning from Canada after dropping off family members in Toronto. Customs officials said they were suspicious of her story, and a second inspection was ordered.
Officers using a portable contraband detector, called the "Buster," noticed an "unusually high reading on the vehicle's spare tire," border officials said in a statement.
An X-ray was taken of the tire, revealing something had been placed inside. The officers cut open the tire and found vacuum-sealed bags of pot with an estimated street value of $45,000, authorities said.
Johnston was charged with importation and possession, with the intent to distribute, a controlled substance. She was turned over to the Buffalo Police Department for prosecution by the Erie County district attorney.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061226/4059060.asp
The suspect, Khattena Johnston of Far Rockaway, told officers at the crossing that she was returning from Canada after dropping off family members in Toronto. Customs officials said they were suspicious of her story, and a second inspection was ordered.
Officers using a portable contraband detector, called the "Buster," noticed an "unusually high reading on the vehicle's spare tire," border officials said in a statement.
An X-ray was taken of the tire, revealing something had been placed inside. The officers cut open the tire and found vacuum-sealed bags of pot with an estimated street value of $45,000, authorities said.
Johnston was charged with importation and possession, with the intent to distribute, a controlled substance. She was turned over to the Buffalo Police Department for prosecution by the Erie County district attorney.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061226/4059060.asp