A Washington State couple is facing criminal charges after allegedly trying to smuggle $3.5 million worth of cocaine across the border into Grand Forks, B.C. on Dec. 16.
Forty-nine-year-old Scott Fleming Powers and 55-year-old Diane Marie Green Powers were attempting to cross the border at the Carson Port of Entry at around 10 a.m. when Canadian border officers suspected the two were lying about their journey, Mounties said in a release.
Supt. Eron Labadie told ctvbc.ca that officers picked out inconsistencies in the couple's story and decided to search the minivan.
"They had initially stated that they were going to Grand Forks for the day, but when the officer saw a fair amount of luggage, they changed their story," Labadie said.
Const. Michael McLaughlin told ctvbc.ca that after searching the vehicle, officers found two sophisticated, electronically-operated compartments that had been installed where "Stow ‘n Go" seats used to be. The seats are designed to fold into compartments in the floor to allow for extra storage.
"This was on the higher end of sophisticated compartments. It's very unusual," McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin said that officers found 83 kilograms of cocaine in the expertly concealed compartments.
"The drugs were packaged in one-kilo bundles, which is a clear indication of trafficking," he said.
A small amount of marijuana was also found in the minivan.
The married couple will remain in jail until their trial. Their next court appearance is Jan. 13.
They each face charges of importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
