Port Huron, Michigan — A nearly 400-pound cocaine seizure occurred at the Blue Water Bridge checkpoint in Port Huron, Michigan, after authorities investigated suspicious activity in St. Clair County, officials said. The bust highlights the ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Canadian law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking in the region.
Investigation Leads to Truck Stop
The investigation began around 6:30 p.m. on November 25, when members of the U.S. Homeland Security Task Force North noticed two commercial vehicles with Ontario plates parked at a Michigan truck stop. The trucks left the area in different directions, prompting authorities to track both vehicles.
Drug Detection at Blue Water Bridge
One of the trucks traveled to the Blue Water Bridge, where authorities conducted a vehicle inspection with the assistance of Warren Police Department K-9 Argo. During the search, officers discovered the nearly 400 pounds of cocaine hidden in the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the second truck drew attention after it was seen swerving while driving. Law enforcement performed a traffic stop, and St. Clair County Sheriff’s K-9 Brock detected a suspicious odor, leading to a vehicle search. Authorities have not disclosed if additional drugs were found in the second truck.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including:
- Port Huron Police Department
- Warren Police Department
- St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office
- Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Canada Border Services Agency
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents also assisted in the arrest at the bridge, as per CBS News.
Official Statement
St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King praised the coordinated efforts, stating:
“Thank you to the law enforcement officers involved in this case for their dedication to disrupting the dispersal of narcotics into the community.”
Officials emphasized that the seizure prevents a significant quantity of cocaine from reaching local communities, demonstrating the effectiveness of drug-sniffing dogs and inter-agency collaboration.
What Do You Think?
How important are drug-sniffing dogs and multi-agency operations in stopping large-scale drug trafficking?
Share your thoughts in the comments — Could more be done to intercept narcotics at border crossings like the Blue Water Bridge?
