BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection often seize drugs at border crossings, but Monday at the Peace Bridge, it was a stolen vehicle. A Mercedes-Benz worth $50,000, to be exact.
The stolen vehicle was discovered when a commercial car carrier was passing through the commercial inspection lanes, attempting to gain entry to the United States. The driver presented paperwork to CBP officials for a 2015 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, but the Vehicle Identification Number and paperwork for the vehicle were counterfeit, CBP said.
A search of the actual Vehicle Identification Number showed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Ontario.
“The research and analysis conducted by our CBP Officers is second to none”, area port director Gaetano Cordone said in a statement, announcing the seizure.
“Their training and skillset, along with our partnerships with other Law Enforcement Agencies to include our Canadian partners, led to the recovery of this stolen vehicle.”
The car was seized, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are working with Canadian authorities to return the vehicle to its owner.
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