Massive Drug Bust at a U.S.-Western Canada Border Crossing

It comes as no surprise that our southern border is not the only hot spot for narcotics making their way into the United States.

That was again reaffirmed recently with a 7-figure seizure of cocaine. And close enough to our eastern and northern borders that it makes us wonder if some of that shipment could have been Montana-bound.

Whatever its destination, the smuggling was thwarted by alert border guards. Agents out of Blaine, Washington tell us that the Border Patrol assigned to the Blaine Sector seized approximately 78 pounds of cocaine last week, with an estimated value of more than $1.1 million.

The incident occurred when agents on patrol discovered two black backpacks lying on the ground in a wooded area near the border in Lynden, Washington. Upon searching the backpacks, agents found 30 brick-like packages containing a white powdery substance. The substance was later tested and determined to be cocaine.

Chief Patrol Agent Rosario was quoted as saying, “Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation. Thanks to the vigilance of Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents these dangerous narcotics were prevented from reaching our communities.

"This seizure highlights that crucial commitment.”

The narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Since the cocaine was found stashed in a wooded area with no possible suspects around the location, there have apparently been no arrests in connection with the find.

Blaine, Washington is in Whatcom County in the northwest tip of the state. The city's northern boundary is the Canada–U.S. border; and is located just south of White Rock, British Columbia.