BORDER GUARD CHARGED WITH SMUGGLING POT IN RETURN FOR SEX, CASH

A 30-year-old U.S. customs and border-patrol officer has been charged
with helping smugglers sneak pot past the border in return for cash
and sexual favours.

Desmone Bastian, who lives in Surrey, was arrested last Thursday on a
warrant charging him with receiving a bribe and importation of a
controlled substance.

The indictment filed in U.S. District Court alleges that Bastian
deliberately failed to inspect vehicles entering the U.S. at the
Blaine border crossing on Feb. 5, 2005, in return for cash and sexual favours.

He also allegedly aided in the smuggling of 100 kilograms of pot that
same day, say court documents.

Emily Langlie, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Western
Washington, said it's unclear if Bastian is a permanent resident of
Canada or if he holds dual Canadian and American citizenship.

The investigation began in April led by the FBI, U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Supt. Bill Ard with the RCMP Border Integrity Unit said he was aware
of the investigation but noted that the Mounties played no role in it.

Bastian is currently being held in Whatcom County Jail.