(WWJ) Federal agents have seized a half-ton of marijuana at the Fort Street Cargo facility in southwest Detroit.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection says a commercial truck driver was headed for Chicago with a load of steel wire.
But when CBP Field Operations Officers became suspicious and decided to inspect the vehicle, they found found more than 1,031 lbs. of marijuana concealed in five wooden crates.
While it's legal for adults to possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use in both Michigan and Canada, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Federal law supersedes state law, which means it's still illegal to transport any amount of pot over the border.
Charges against the driver, identified as a Canadian citizen, are pending.
"The Port of Detroit is proud to have prevented the exploitation of our borders and the introduction of illicit drugs into our communities," said Detroit Port Director Devin Chamberlain. "I am equally proud of our CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists who remain vigilant in their efforts to protect the American people every day."
The Detroit Field Office, which covers all ports of entry throughout Michigan, continues to see an increase in narcotics seized at our ports of entry. Since March, CBP Field Operations has seized over 5,500 pounds of marijuana at ports of entry across the state.
CBP encourages anyone with information about suspicious border activity to contact us at 1-800-BE-ALERT or (800) 232-5378.
