'Wrong turn' at Border Results in Drug Trafficking and Firearm Arrest for Niagara County Man

A Niagara County man who told authorities he accidentally drove onto the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge earlier this month is now being held in federal custody after investigators say the encounter uncovered drugs, cash, and a loaded firearm.

Ma Le Jones, 37 from Lockport, was ordered detained following a court appearance Monday, where U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy ruled that he would remain in custody while facing federal drug trafficking and weapons charges. Prosecutors have charged Jones with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Federal authorities say the incident began on December 13th when Jones arrived at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge for inspection. He presented a New York State driver’s license and told Customs and Border Protection officers that he had taken a wrong turn and was trying to re-enter the United States.

During routine checks, officers discovered that Jones was subject to an active order of protection and was currently under probation supervision related to a prior firearms conviction. Based on that information, he was directed to secondary inspection.

During a follow-up search, CBP officers reported finding two cell phones, $2,383 in cash, large quantities of marijuana, MDMA, cocaine, crack cocaine, and a loaded revolver.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jones remains on parole stemming from a 2017 New York State conviction for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Jones remains in custody.

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'Wrong turn' at Border Results in Drug Trafficking and Firearm Arrest for Niagara County Man