Two charged after alleged smuggling attempt at Peace Bridge

Brent Jones
July 9, 2026 at 4:27 PM

Two men have been charged in the United States after an alleged smuggling attempt at the Peace Bridge crossing from Fort Erie into Buffalo.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the case stems from an inspection in the early morning hours of June 24 at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry.

Prosecutors say a 63-year-old Canadian citizen was seeking entry to the United States in a commercial truck when he was asked if anyone else was inside the vehicle.

According to the complaints, the man said no.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers then referred the truck for an X-ray scan.

Prosecutors say an officer noticed an anomaly that appeared to show a person standing in the sleeper portion of the cab.

A second man was removed from the truck, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors say the second man, a 34-year-old Romanian national living in Canada, did not have authorization to lawfully enter the United States.

The 63-year-old has been charged with alien smuggling, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of US$250,000.

The 34-year-old has been charged with eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.

Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were detained, according to prosecutors.

The case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.