Kittson County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Canadian man is facing a felony drug charge after U.S. Customs officials say they found cocaine during a border inspection in northern Minnesota.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Kittson County District Court, 48-year-old Christopher Pluchinski of Whitemouth, Manitoba, has been charged with fifth-degree controlled substance possession, a felony.
The incident happened on August 2, 2025, at the Lancaster port of entry when Pluchinski arrived on a motorcycle bearing Manitoba plates. Customs officers conducted a baggage inspection after receiving a negative declaration from him.
Inside a toiletry bag, officers found a small bag of white powder concealed inside a nicotine pouch container. Additional containers were also checked, and officials discovered more white powder along with plastic straws containing residue.
According to court documents, Pluchinski told officers he believed the substance was caffeine powder that a friend had given him. Field tests later confirmed the powder was cocaine, weighing approximately 2.44 grams.
Pluchinski was taken into custody by the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office and later transferred to the Pennington County Jail due to construction at the local jail.
If convicted, Pluchinski faces up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The case remains under investigation.
For more information on Minnesota controlled substance laws, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
