Border Patrol Seizes Large Stash of Marijuana in Houlton

A U.S. Border Patrol agent working in Houlton seized about $48,000 worth of marijuana during a vehicle check over the weekend.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a news release that the driver, who had an expired Maine medical marijuana program card, admitted to possessing 5.3 pounds of marijuana.

The marijuana was confiscated and the driver was released on Saturday pending further investigation.

“Although Maine has very strict marijuana possession guidelines, marijuana possession is still against federal law,” said Houlton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Jason D. Owens. “When our agents become aware of a federal law violation they have a duty to act and will continue to do so.”

Medical marijuana patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or up to six marijuana plants under Maine law.  Even though recreational use of marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older in Maine, it still remains illegal under federal law.