Canadian authorities are assisting Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security Task Force Detroit in an alleged drug smuggling scheme.
Two Quebec men were arrested after they allegedly tried to take almost 300lbs. of suspected cocaine on a Piper Navajo twin-engine aircraft, which was headed for Canada.
A media release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says 57-year-old Sylvain Desjardins and 46-year-old David Ayotte, had federal court appearances on March 31 in Columbus. The two were charged with "possession with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine".
The probe was launched on March 29, when a Canada-bound flight landed at KUNI Ohio University Airport without authorization.
Police departments in the area were called to assist while HSI interviewed the crew about the unauthorized landing.
The media release says, "A canine alerted to the aircraft which resulted in the discovery of nearly 300lbs. of a powdery substance which has field tested positive as cocaine."
HSI says the incident is under investigation. HSI Border Enforcement Security Task Force Detroit is made up of officers from Windsor Police Services, Ontario Provincial Police, and RCMP.
#NoFlyZone - @CustomsBorder and @ICEgov reveal smuggling attempt.2 arrested and almost 300lbs of #Cocaine seized https://t.co/io9PK0rIAW pic.twitter.com/AZPXcKam3i
— CBP Great Lakes (@CBPGreatLakes) March 30, 2017
