Spliff Twister
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A 30-year-old U.S. customs and border-patrol officer has been charged with helping smugglers sneak pot past the border in return for cash and sexual favours.
Desmone Bastian, who lives in Surrey, was arrested last Thursday on a warrant charging him with receiving a bribe and importation of a controlled substance.
The indictment filed in U.S. District Court alleges that Bastian deliberately failed to inspect vehicles entering the U.S. at the Blaine border crossing on Feb. 5, 2005, in return for cash and sexual favours.
He also allegedly aided in the smuggling of 100 kilograms of pot that same day, say court documents.
Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Western Washington, said it's unclear if Bastian is a permanent resident of Canada or if he holds dual Canadian and American citizenship.
The investigation began in April led by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Supt. Bill Ard with the RCMP Border Integrity Unit said he was aware of the investigation but noted that the Mounties played no role in it.
Bastian is currently being held in Whatcom County Jail.
Newshawk: Spliff Twister - 420 Magazine
Source: 2006 The Province
Pubdate: Sun, 29 Oct 2006
Author: Lena Sin
Copyright: 2006 The Province
Contact: provletters@png.canwest.com
Website: The Province
Desmone Bastian, who lives in Surrey, was arrested last Thursday on a warrant charging him with receiving a bribe and importation of a controlled substance.
The indictment filed in U.S. District Court alleges that Bastian deliberately failed to inspect vehicles entering the U.S. at the Blaine border crossing on Feb. 5, 2005, in return for cash and sexual favours.
He also allegedly aided in the smuggling of 100 kilograms of pot that same day, say court documents.
Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Western Washington, said it's unclear if Bastian is a permanent resident of Canada or if he holds dual Canadian and American citizenship.
The investigation began in April led by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Supt. Bill Ard with the RCMP Border Integrity Unit said he was aware of the investigation but noted that the Mounties played no role in it.
Bastian is currently being held in Whatcom County Jail.
Newshawk: Spliff Twister - 420 Magazine
Source: 2006 The Province
Pubdate: Sun, 29 Oct 2006
Author: Lena Sin
Copyright: 2006 The Province
Contact: provletters@png.canwest.com
Website: The Province
