Blue Water Bridge. (Photo by Natalia Vega) Blue Water Bridge. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
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Charges laid in alleged human smuggling investigation

Charges have been laid after four Brazilian citizens allegedly received help to enter the United States illegally on a jet ski near the Blue Water Bridge.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said a jet ski with three people crossed the St. Clair River on August 20 and landed near Port Huron. Two people got off the jet ski and got into a vehicle, while the jet ski operator returned to Canada.

The vehicle was stopped by Marysville Station Border Patrol agents. It's alleged, two male passengers from Brazil, aged 34 and 35, admitted to illegally crossing into the U.S. They, along with the 39-year-old American driver, were taken to the Marysville station.

Border patrol agents continued to monitor the situation. It's alleged that the same jet ski dropped off two more people in the same area shortly after the previous incident.

A 47-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman, also from Brazil, were stopped by border agents and taken to the Marysville station for processing.

The 39-year-old American driver was charged with unlawful transportation and the four Brazilian citizens were charged with illegal entry into the U.S.

In coordination with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, two more people were arrested in connection to the case. However, further details were not released.

The investigation is ongoing.

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