Authorities: Canadian man pulled 200 pounds of Xanax into Vermont on a sled

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A Canadian man garbed himself in winter camouflage and tried to sneak into Vermont while pulling a sled loaded with nearly 200 pounds of alprazolam -- Xanax.

The U.S. District Court in Burlington released documents revealing Cedrick Bourgault-Morin, 21, of Quebec, was arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents early Wednesday after he tripped a sensor along railroad tracks leading into North Troy, Vt.

Border agent John McGarghan wrote in the arrest report, which was provided to the Burlington Free Press, that agents "observed a single adult male, dressed in white camouflage clothing, walking along the railroad tracks and pulling a sled behind him. The sled contained one large duffel bag wrapped in white camouflage."

McGarghan said the suspect did not speak any English, but was identified with help from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The bag contained 182 pounds of alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication commonly known by the brand name Xanax. The pills were separated into 300 vacuum-sealed bags.

Customs officials estimated the street value of the drugs at $1.6 million.

"This is a great example of some of the training and unique skills our agents use to perform their border security mission," U.S. Agent-in-Charge Fernando Beltran told WMUR-TV. "I commend these agents for their continued vigilance in tracking criminals, and for seizing harmful drugs before they get into our communities."

Bourgault-Morin was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.