Federal prosecutors said three Akwesasne residents were arrested in a cross-border drug smuggling case tied to methamphetamine and firearms. Basil Lazore, 47; Michael Arquette, 38; and Patricia Ransom, 81, were arrested Thursday, July 30, for alleged roles in an international drug-trafficking operation along the northern border. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said investigators from U.S., Canadian and Tribal agencies identified an alleged network moving drugs from Canada into the United States through Akwesasne. Officials said Lazore and Arquette were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, while Ransom was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Officials said Lazore was taken into custody in Canada, while Arquette and Ransom were arrested in the United States.