Buffalo, NY (WNY News Now) – A 37-year-old Canadian resident from Hamilton, Ontario, has been apprehended and charged with possession and conspiracy to distribute 386 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross.
Ahmed El Kady, a 37-year-old Canadian resident from Hamilton, Ontario, has been apprehended and charged with possession and conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 7, 2023, El Kady entered the United States via the Ambassador Bridge Port of Entry in Detroit, Michigan, operating a commercial truck without a trailer. Claiming he was there to pick up a local trailer, El Kady raised suspicion among Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers. Following his movements, investigators tracked El Kady to the TA Travel Center in Dexter, Michigan, where he engaged in apparent exchanges with drivers of multiple commercial trucks over a two-day period. Subsequent surveillance revealed El Kady’s travel to Ohio before returning to Dexter, Michigan, for another exchange with a third truck driver. His journey continued to Buffalo, NY, where he arrived on the evening of August 9, 2023, and spent the night at a local truck stop.
On August 10, 2023 El Kady’s wife, Maja Tambur, arrived at the truck stop. Together, they left in Tambur’s vehicle, embarking on a circuitous route to Niagara Falls. Throughout their journey, they engaged in evasive driving maneuvers typical of counter-surveillance efforts. Despite their attempts to shake off investigators, El Kady and Tambur ultimately returned to the truck stop and the Subject Vehicle. Authorities swiftly executed a federal search warrant on the vehicle, leading to the discovery and seizure of an estimated 386 kilograms of suspected cocaine. Consequently, El Kady was taken into custody.
Following his arrest, Ahmed El Kady was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy, marking his initial appearance. Pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 14, 2023, at 11 a.m., El Kady remains in custody.
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