CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story reported that suspect had more than 5 pounds of marijuana. In fact it was less than 5 pounds. This was due to a weighing error by customs agents which included the packaging. State police said when weighing the marijuana alone it was under five pounds reducing the charge to a misdemeanor. North Country This Week regrets the error.

MASSENA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a woman at the Massena Port of Entry who allegedly unlawfully possessed nearly pounds of marijuana.

On June 4, CBP officers reportedly encountered a vehicle driven by a 45-year-old female. During the primary inspection, a CBP officer noticed an odor emanating from the vehicle similar to marijuana.

A secondary inspection then occurred where the driver declared ‘medicinal marijuana’ inside the vehicle. A subsequent vehicle search was conducted and CBP officers discovered a cardboard box located in the rear of the vehicle that contained a large-garbage bag.

A further search of the garbage bag revealed 10 one-gallon plastic bags that contained a green leafy substance.

The contents of the plastic bags field-tested positive for the properties of marijuana, had a combined weight of less than five pounds..

“Another great job by our CBP officers, who continue to perform at the highest levels and maintain their vigilance,” said Massena Port Director Bob Dwyer. “Working alongside our fellow law enforcement partners with the New York State Police, we are able to help keep these narcotics from the streets of our community.”