A Canadian man and a Romanian residing in Canada are facing several charges in connection with a recent smuggling attempt at a Canada-U.S. border crossing in Buffalo, New York.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of New York said the incident happened in the early morning hours of June 24, when a man arrived at the Peace Bridge in a commercial truck and sought entry to the United States.
U.S. officials said he was asked if anyone else was in the truck and said no. The man was then referred to X-ray to have the truck and cargo scanned, they said.
During that scan of the truck, an officer allegedly noticed an anomaly, which “appeared to be a person standing in the sleeper portion of the cab,” a release stated. That individual was subsequently removed from the truck.
Khvicha Chalisuri, 63, a Canadian who lives in Georgia, was charged with alien smuggling, an offense that has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Alexandru-Stefanita Iordache, 34, who is originally from Romania but lives in Canada, has been charged with eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison. An investigation determined he has no authorization for lawful entry to the United States.
They both made an initial court appearance and have been detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that targets illegal immigration.
