CUSTOMS WORKER FIGHTS POT SMUGGLING CHARGE

A 35-year-old Canada Customs worker is fighting a charge that he
attempted to smuggle about $200,000 U.S. worth of marijuana across the
American border.

Gary Graboski entered a not guilty plea Monday in a Minnesota
courtroom and remains in a jail cell in Roseau, about 20 kilometres
south of the Canadian border near Sprague.

Roseau County attorney Michelle Moren said Graboski's pre-trial
hearing is to be held June 14 and that he will remain in custody until
he is able to post bond.

Moren said the Emerson resident is being held under a bond of $250,000
cash or $500,000 surety.

She said bail was set so high because of the nature of the
case.

Graboski was arrested May 13 just south of the tiny Pinecreek border
station where he worked as an officer for the Canadian Border Services
Agency. He has since been suspended without pay. Police say he was
targeted by investigators on both sides of the border after they
received information he was allegedly smuggling hydroponic marijuana,
likely grown in the Winnipeg area, into the United States.

Police allege Graboski was found with 23 kilograms (50 pounds) of
marijuana stuffed in hockey bags in the back of his truck. He was off
duty at the time. American media reports say once arrested, police
persuaded Graboski to wear a hidden "wire" to record his meeting with
a contact in the U.S. That man is alleged to be Loran M. Stewart, 37,
of Calgary.

The two men met at a self-service car wash in Warroad, Minn., and when
marijuana allegedly was exchanged, police swept in.

Stewart is also in custody under a bond of $100,000 cash or $250,000
surety.

Both men are facing felony charges of conspiracy to sell controlled
substances. They are being represented by public defenders.