CBP Officers Work With ICE and DEA Agents to Intercept Methamphetamine Precursor Chemicals

Buffalo, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in conjunction with special agents from the Buffalo office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, today announced the seizure of a variety of precursor chemicals and cold medication used in the production of methamphetamine from a 29-year-old Clymer, N.Y. man. The seizure resulted in the federal arrest of U.S. citizen Thomas Oldani.

On May 27, CBP officers encountered Oldani as he applied for admission into the U.S. as the sole operator of his personal vehicle at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, in Buffalo, N.Y. During the primary inspection of Oldani, CBP officers noticed that he was exhibiting signs of nervous and erratic behavior, and was physically shaking and avoiding eye contact when answering basic questions.

CBP officers immediately took control of Oldani and continued with the vehicle inspection in a secure search area. The search of Oldani and his vehicle revealed a film canister with a white powdery substance later determined to be ephedrine, and multiple precursor chemicals, tools and cold medication used in the production of methamphetamine.

Oldani was turned over to the custody of special agents from ICE. The investigation is ongoing at this time as ICE and Drug Enforcement Administration agents search a location in Tonawanda for additional evidence. The chemicals found thus far have been identified and secured by specially trained DEA personnel working with ICE and CBP personnel.

Federal prosecution was accepted under chapter 21 of the United States Code, section 841, "Manufacture, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance." Additional charges may be forthcoming for Oldani after the investigation is completed.

“CBP officers took quick action to secure and isolate this subject and the hazardous chemicals found in his vehicle when he arrived at the Peace Bridge. This seizure and federal arrest are the direct result of CBP, ICE and DEA agents working together to remove these dangerous items destined for the streets of our local community,” said James T. Engleman, CBP director of field operations for the Buffalo Field Office.

“This case is an outstanding example of close coordination between CBP, ICE, DEA and state and local law enforcement,” said J. Michael Kennedy, acting special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Buffalo. “All law enforcement agencies are committed to stopping drug trafficking and keeping narcotics off the street of our communities.”