U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a woman, a Canadian citizen and NEXUS program card holder, on Sunday at the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, New York for “illegal possession of methamphetamine, prescription pills and other drug paraphernalia,” according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.
Peace Bridge is located near the center of downtown Buffalo, New York, and connects the United States to Canada via Fort Erie, Ontario, crossing the Niagara River. The Peace Bridge is one of four vehicular toll crossings over the Niagara River in the region.
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The 38-year-old woman was stopped for secondary inspection while attempting to enter the U.S. by way of the NEXUS program lane. During the secondary inspection CBP Officers found more than 200 oxycodone pills, 2.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia items. She was arrested and turned over to the Buffalo Police Department. (The arrest is merely an accusation, and the arrestee is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.)
Similar to Global Entry, the NEXUS program of trusted travelers allows for cardholders to enjoy expedited U.S.-Canada Border Crossing. NEXUS program cards provide expedited travel at the U.S.-Canada Border for predetermined low-risk Canadian and US citizens.
Should the punishment for an illegal act in relation to the trusted traveler programs be harsher for the same act committed by a non-trusted traveler card holder?
I’m interested in your comments below.
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I don’t think the criminal penalty should be any more severe but I think it’s obvious that their membership in the trusted traveler program should be revoked.