Marijuana seized from chocolate shipment at Peace Bridge

Brent Jones
June 13, 2026 at 10:35 PM

U.S. border officers say more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana were found in a commercial shipment listed as chocolate at the Peace Bridge.

The shipment, which arrived at the international border after passing through Fort Erie, was intercepted before the drugs could enter the U.S.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), officers at the Port of Buffalo’s Peace Bridge crossing inspected the commercial shipment Tuesday after it was manifested as chocolate.

CBP says a non-intrusive examination showed irregularities, prompting officers to move the truck and trailer to an inspection area for a closer search.

During the physical inspection, officers found vacuum-sealed packages inside multiple cardboard boxes.

The agency says officers seized 56 boxes containing more than 1,600 pounds of suspected marijuana, which later field-tested positive.

CBS 6 Albany reported the seizure had an estimated street value of about US$4 million.

“This significant seizure demonstrates the dedication and vigilance of our officers at the Port of Buffalo,” said Sharon Swiatek, acting port director for the Area Port of Buffalo, in a CBP release.

“By leveraging advanced technology and thorough inspection protocols, our team prevented over 1,600 pounds of illicit drugs from entering the United States.”

CBP officers use screening technologies, including non-intrusive inspection systems and X-ray imaging, to search commercial shipments for concealed contraband.