Indian-origin arrested in one of biggest US drug bust

WASHINGTON: A 29-year-old Indian-origin truck driver was arrested by US authorities for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs worth nearly USD 3.6 million, in one of the largest cocaine bust in the country's history.

Canada-based Ravinder Kumar Arora was arrested as he appeared "extremely nervous" during primary questioning when attempting to leave the United States at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge on the US-Canadian border. As a result, he was targeted for an outbound enforcement examination, according to federal officials.

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Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is an international bridge between the United States and Canada.

Authorities examining the empty commercial trailer, which was headed for Canada, found the floorboards of the truck had been tampered with. Officers noticed that "non-factory screws" had replaced originals in the floorboards, Buffalo News reported.

When the boards were removed, authorities found the cocaine packed into 97 vacuum-sealed bricks. Authorities seized 239 pounds of the drug from his possession. Buffalo Port Director Joseph J. Wilson called the cocaine seizure the "largest ... to date in the Port of Buffalo."

"This interdiction demonstrates Customs and Border Protection's dedication to securing our borders and safeguarding our country from the dangers of inbound and outbound narcotics smuggling," Wilson said.

Arora, who was arrested on drug possession charges, was being held in custody pending federal court action.
Source: IANS