Stay informed
U.S. prosecutors charge three from Akwesasne in drugs for guns probe
U.S. Federal prosecutors announced arrests Monday in a plot to smuggle methamphetamine from Canada into the United States in exchange for guns.
Three dual Canadian-American citizens from Akwesasne, the Mohawk territory that straddles the Canada-U.S. border between Ontario and Quebec and New York State, were arrested last Thursday, according to a press release from the United States Department of Justice.
“Through a coordinated partnership involving U.S. and Canadian and Tribal law enforcement, investigators initiated a joint investigation into suspected cross-border drug trafficking activity operating through Akwesasne. As the investigation progressed, authorities identified an alleged smuggling network responsible for moving illicit drugs from Canada into the United States. Investigators further determined that the defendants allegedly planned to exchange methamphetamine for multiple firearms,” said the press release issued on Monday.
Basil Lazore, 47, and Michael Arquette, 38, have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances.
“The penalties include at least 10 years and up to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine,” said the release.
Patricia Ransom, 81, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, “for which she faces at least 5 years in prison, and a maximum of 40 years,” it said.
Lazore was taken into custody in Canada, while Arquette and Ransom were arrested in the United States.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
“The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” said the release.
The defendants are accused of attempting to exploit areas along the border where tribal lands create unmonitored access points for cross‑border criminal activity.
The new charges reflect “the unprecedented collaboration among our law enforcement partners Federal, State, Local, and Tribal, both in the United States and Canada,” according to First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III.
“Their work to identify, investigate, and arrest these individuals underscores our commitment to securing the northern border and stopping the flow of deadly narcotics and dangerous firearms.”
Bryan DiGirolamo, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in New York, commended special agents, detectives, analysts, prosecutors, as well as federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners “whose tireless dedication brought this investigation to this point,” said the release.
“Protecting our communities requires more than responding to violent crime — it requires identifying, disrupting, and dismantling the criminal networks that drive it,” DiGirolamo said.
“Transnational criminal organizations exploit borders, jurisdictions, and every vulnerability they can find to traffic illegal commodities that threaten public safety. This investigation demonstrates the power of intelligence sharing and the extraordinary partnerships that make complex, cross-border investigations possible.”
Anthony Patrone with Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo, N.Y., said “transnational criminal organizations exploit borders, waterways, and remote terrain to move narcotics, firearms, and people while putting communities and law enforcement officers at risk.”
The case, according to Patrone, “reflects the strength of coordinated partnerships across federal, state, local, Tribal, and Canadian law enforcement. Together, we are targeting the criminal networks that threaten border security and public safety on both sides of the northern border.”
Ontario Provincial Police supported the joint operation, according to the release. The OPP “will continue to work alongside our partners to combat organized crime, reduce the availability of illegal drugs and weapons and enhance public safety,” Chief Supt. Mike Stoddart said in the release.
Chief Ranatiiostha Swamp of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) said “the success of this investigation highlights the importance of collaboration among law enforcement partners across jurisdictions and international borders. AMPS is proud to have contributed to this effort and remains committed to protecting the residents of Akwesasne from the impacts of organized crime in trafficking of humans, drugs, and firearms.”
His force “operates within a unique border community,” Swamp said in the release.
“We have long recognized the need for coordinated and intelligence-driven enforcement strategies. This investigation reinforces the importance of law enforcement partnerships by combining resources to combat organized crime. Through continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will work to ensure that those who engage in criminal activity are held accountable while preserving the safety, integrity, and reputation of our community.”
The RCMP, Sûreté du Québec, Akwesasne Tribal Police and the St Regis Tribal Police were also involved in the investigation.
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.
Comments
Be the first to comment