ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) —Local federal prosecutors are calling a recent international drug trafficking case one of the most significant that their office has handled. Three dual Canadian-American citizens are facing federal charges after investigators say they were involved in an international drug smuggling operation that moved drugs across the U.S.-Canada border.
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The three defendants, all from Akwesasne, were arrested July 30. Prosecutors identified them as 47-year-old Basil Lazore, 38-year-old Michael Arquette and 81-year-old Patricia Ransom.
Authorities say the arrests stem from a coordinated investigation involving U.S., Canadian and tribal law enforcement agencies targeting suspected cross-border drug trafficking activity.
“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 defendants allegedly planned to exchange methamphetamine for multiple firearms,” said First Assistant U.S. AttorneyJohn A. Sarcone III.
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Lazore and Arquette were 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…