BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Narriana Gray and Briana Gray, both 19 and of Hamburg, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with entry of goods by means of false statements, and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana). The charges carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah E. Lenihan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at approximately 9:21 p.m., the defendants attempted to enter the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. During primary inspection, the defendants told a Customs and Border Protection officer that they were hanging out at a bar and the casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario and gave a gave a negative declaration for drugs. A CBP officer smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and referred the defendants for secondary inspection. When asked once again if they had any marijuana or drugs on them, the defendants said no, but said they were hanging around people who were smoking at the casino.
The complaint further states that when questioned again by CBP officers, the defendants admitted to having marijuana concealed in their pants, which was purchased at marijuana dispensary in Niagara Falls, Ontario. In total, the defendants had approximately 76 grams of marijuana on them.
The defendants made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr and were released.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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