Canadian Duo Facing Felony Charges After CBP Narcotics Canine Uncovers Vacuum-Sealed Marijuana in Luxury SUV

CBP officers at the Lewiston Bridge seized $16,000 worth of marijuana hidden in a Mercedes SUV, leading to felony charges for two Canadian citizens.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from U.S. Customs and Border Protection

K-9 Alert Triggers Secondary Inspection at Northern Border

A routine border crossing at the Lewiston Bridge turned into a significant narcotics interdiction on Saturday when a Customs and Border Protection K-9 team flagged a Mercedes Benz SUV entering from Canada. The vehicle, driven by 43-year-old Andrea Seivewright and carrying passenger Daniel Hughes, was diverted to a secondary inspection area after the specialized narcotics detector dog alerted officers to the presence of illicit substances. According to federal authorities, the initial behavioral cues from the K-9 provided the necessary legal basis for a more invasive search of the luxury vehicle’s structural components.

Sophisticated Concealment Found in Vehicle Quarter Panels

During the comprehensive examination, CBP officers utilized scanning technology to identify density anomalies hidden within the rear quarter panel and the trunk door of the SUV. Upon disassembling these sections, investigators discovered six vacuum-sealed bags containing a green leafy substance, which subsequently tested positive for the chemical properties of marijuana. The tactical concealment within the vehicle’s interior panels indicates a deliberate attempt to bypass international smuggling protocols, highlighting the ongoing challenge of detecting contraband hidden in everyday passenger transport.

Financial Valuation and Weight of Seized Narcotics

The total weight of the confiscated marijuana was recorded at approximately six pounds, representing a significant quantity for a non-commercial vehicle crossing. Acting Port Director Sharon Swiatek noted that the estimated street value of the haul exceeds $16,000, underscoring the financial incentives involved in cross-border drug trafficking. This seizure contributes to a broader regional trend where federal agents at land ports of entry encounter an average of 1,600 pounds of various narcotics daily, emphasizing the critical role of frontline surveillance in disrupting the supply chain of illegal products.