9 Handed Over to Canadians

Nine Americans charged in what was called Canada’s largest drug bust were handed over to Quebec authorities at the border Sunday, U.S. officials said.

The nine Vermont residents were among 25 people arrested in 1991 in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle more than 54 tons of hashish into Canada.

Their extradition took place under heavy security at the crossing from Alburg into Noyans, Quebec.

Police have said the hashish, packed into 272 barrels and found floating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, had an estimated value of $700 million. A U.S. Marshals Service statement said it was the largest drug bust in Canadian history.