BORDER GUARD ACCUSED OF TRYING TO SMUGGLE POT

Manitoba Man, Another Canadian Face Fines, Up To 25 Years In Prison

A Canada Border Services Agency officer from southeast Manitoba and another
Canadian citizen face fines up to $1 million and 25 years in jail for
allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 22 kilograms of marijuana into
the U.S.

"It's a difficult time for our organization," said Loretta Nyhus,
communications manager for the Canada Border Services Agency's Prairie
region. "But these are the actions of one individual and it doesn't reflect
on the integrity (and) professionalism of the other officers," she said.

The men were charged May 13 following an investigation that lasted several
months. It was launched by Canadian officials working in conjunction with
the RCMP and authorities in the U.S. "We received information and we acted
on it immediately," Nyhus said.

Gary Graboski, 35, who worked at the port of entry at Pinecreek, Minn.
south of Piney, was arrested just south of the U.S. border. Agents allege
he intended to deliver the marijuana hidden in the bed of his pickup to
another man.

The investigation led to the arrest a short time later of Loran Stewart,
37, also a Canadian citizen, in Warroad, Minn. Both Graboski's pickup and
Stewart's SUV were seized by authorities.

The border inspector, who is presumed innocent, has been relieved of his
duties without pay pending an internal investigation, she said. Nyhus said
she could provide no further information about the accused because
personnel matters are confidential. For now, Graboski is being held in the
Roseau County Jail in Minnesota. His public defender, Sam Jandt, said
yesterday he could not comment on his client's case.

Hometowns for the Graboski and Stewart were not available.

State prosecutors in Roseau County in northwestern Minnesota have charged
Graboski with conspiracy to commit a controlled-substance crime, which
carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to $1 million US in
fines.

Stewart was charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit a
controlled-substance crime, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in
prison and up to $500,000 US in fines.