X-ray scan of commercial truck at New York Port of Entry leads to two arrests

Two people have been arrested and charged after an X-ray scan at a Port of Entry in New York uncovered a smuggling attempt.

On July 2, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced charges against the following individuals:

• Khvicha Chalisuri, 63, a Canadian citizen and native of Georgia, was charged with alien smuggling, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
• Alexandru-Stefanita Iordache, 34, a Romanian native living in Canada, was charged with eluding examination or inspection by immigration officers, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.

The charges were issued following an incident that occurred on June 24, 2026, at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry in Buffalo, New York.

Officials said that Chalisuri entered the Port of Entry seeking entry to the United States in a commercial truck. When asked if anyone else was inside the truck, Chalisuri reportedly said no.

Officers at the Port of Entry referred Chalisuri’s vehicle for an  X-ray to have the truck and cargo scanned.

“During the scan of the truck, an officer noticed an anomaly, which appeared to be a person standing in the sleeper portion of the cab. The individual was removed from the truck and later identified as Iordache,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Investigators learned that Iordache had no authorization for lawful entry into the U.S.

Both men were detained following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy.

Agencies contributing to the investigation include U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations.