Indian truck driver held in US for smuggling 160 kg marijuana

An Indian-origin truck driver has been arrested by American customs officials for allegedly trying to smuggle about 160 kg of marijuana from Canada into the United States.

Gurmit Singh, a resident of North York in Ontario, told the border agents in Peace Bridge port of entry near Buffalo, New York on Monday that he was on his way to Massachusetts with a load of firewood.

The US Customs and Border Protection said, "CBP Officers utilised the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) to X-ray the truck and its contents after the primary officer became suspicious of Singh's demeanor."

"The VACIS exam revealed an anomaly within the commodity," it said in a press statement, adding that on further inspection, they found 353 pounds of marijuana hidden in the truck.

Singh is a 40-year-old citizen of India with landed immigrant status in Canada.

He has been turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials pending arraignment. Singh faces charges of possession and import of controlled substances, conspiracy to import a controlled substance and smuggling goods.