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U.S. Federal prosecutors announced arrests Monday in a plot to smuggle methamphetamine from Canada into the United States in exchange for guns.
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Three dual Canadian-American citizens from Akwesasne, the Mohawk territory that straddles the Canada-U.S. border between Ontario and Quebec and New York State, were arrested last Thursday, according to a press release from the United States Department of Justice.
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“Through a coordinated partnership involving U.S. and Canadian and Tribal law enforcement, investigators initiated a joint investigation into suspected cross-border drug trafficking activity operating through Akwesasne. As the investigation progressed, authorities identified an alleged smuggling network responsible for moving illicit drugs from Canada into the United States. Investigators further determined that the defendants allegedly planned to exchange methamphetamine for multiple firearms,” said the press release issued on Monday.
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Basil Lazore, 47, and Michael Arquette, 38, have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances.
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“The penalties include at least 10 years and up to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine,” said the release.
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Patricia Ransom, 81, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, “for which she faces at least 5 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years,” it said.
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Lazore was taken into custody in Canada, while Arquette and Ransom were arrested in the United States.
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None of the allegations have been proven in court.
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“The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” said the release.
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The defendants are accused of attempting to exploit areas along the border where tribal lands create unmonitored access points for cross‑border criminal activity.
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The new charges reflect “the unprecedented collaboration among our law enforcement partners Federal, State, Local, and Tribal, both in the United States and Canada,” according to First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III.
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“Their work to identify, investigate, and arrest these individuals underscores our commitment to securing the northern border and stopping the flow of deadly narcotics and dangerous firearms.”
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Bryan DiGirolamo, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in New York, commended special agents, detectives, analysts, prosecutors, as well as federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners “whose tireless dedication brought this investigation to this point,” said the release.
