Canadian court sentences Whatcom man for smuggling 436 pounds of meth across border

Bellingham — A Canadian court sentenced a Whatcom County man to 10 years in prison for smuggling more than 436 pounds of methamphetamine across the U.S.-Canada border with an ATV in 2020.

Zacchary Marcus Scott Hecock of Blaine pleaded guilty to charges of importing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking on Feb. 22 in Abbotsford, B.C., Provincial Court and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to a Royal Canadian Mounted Police news release on Tuesday, March 1.

Hecock was one of two U.S. citizens found operating an ATV towing a trailer loaded with approximately 436 pounds of methamphetamine July 20, 2020, across the U.S.-Canada border northeast of Lynden near Mt. Lehman Road in British Columbia, according to the release.

The British Columbia RCMP Federal Policing Border Enforcement Team, the Abbotsford Police Department and U.S. Border Patrol located the ATV and arrested Hecock, according to the release. The second suspect was able to get away, but was later identified, the release states.

The methamphetamine was packed in duffle bags and loaded in the trailer, according to the release.

No charges were filed against the second suspect, the release states.

In addition to his prison sentence, Hecock was prohibited from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

“I’m extremely proud of the daily work being done by the men and women of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team who work tirelessly to ensure our borders are secure while limiting the influx of toxic drugs into our communities,” Superintendent Bert Ferreira, who is the officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP Border Integrity Program, said in the release. “Their efforts have resulted in meaningful seizures and apprehensions, which continue in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.”