Canadian men accused of smuggling 30 pounds of marijuana into U.S. through North Troy

NORTH TROY — Two men from Canada were picked up by Border Patrol trying to cross illegally into the United States with 30 pounds of marijuana.

Robert Eldridge, 67, and James Gauthier, 56, both residents of Quebec, appeared in United States District Court in Burlington following their arrest for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendants were arrested in the evening on April 2 in North Troy, just south of the international boundary.

Agents observed Gauthier hiking through the woods south from Canada, then saw him put two duffle bags into a car being driven by Eldridge.

Agents detained both defendants, searched the bags and discovered about 30 pounds of marijuana.

If convicted, the defendants face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John M. Conroy released Eldridge on conditions pending his next hearing but ordered that Gauthier be temporarily detained until another hearing.