An Indian national was arrested on June 11 at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan, after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered approximately 60.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his vehicle. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Chandan Tayal, was attempting to cross the border from the United States into Canada when the contraband was found.
Discovery of the cocaine
During a routine inspection at the Port Huron port of entry, CBP officers noticed two suspicious boxes in Tayal's truck. When questioned, Tayal claimed the boxes contained wood pallets and cheese powder being transported from Wisconsin to Brampton, Ontario. However, upon closer examination, officers uncovered 55 shrink-wrapped bricks of cocaine. One of the vacuum-sealed packages was partially opened, revealing the narcotics.
The first box held 25 sealed packages weighing 27.47 kilograms, while the second box contained an additional 30 packages weighing 33.03 kilograms. In total, the seizure amounted to 60.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value in the millions of dollars.
Arrest and investigation
Tayal was immediately detained. The Marysville police K9 unit was called to the scene, and a police dog positively alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. Tayal told investigators that he had watched the company seal the truck and claimed he had no knowledge of the cocaine hidden inside the boxes. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail as the investigation continues.
The incident took place in the early hours of June 11. CBP officials have not yet released details on whether Tayal has legal representation or if any charges have been formally filed beyond his detention.
Broader implications
This seizure highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to intercept drug trafficking along the northern border. The Blue Water Bridge, which connects Port Huron, Michigan, to Sarnia, Ontario, is a major commercial and travel corridor. Drug smuggling attempts at this crossing have been a persistent concern for law enforcement agencies.
According to CBP data, seizures of cocaine and other narcotics at U.S. ports of entry have fluctuated in recent years, with significant busts often involving commercial vehicles. The agency continues to use advanced inspection technologies and canine units to detect hidden contraband.
Tayal's case is under further investigation by CBP and local authorities. No court date has been announced yet.
