An Unexpected Long-Distance Drive
A customer reached out to reserve a car for a long-distance trip. After confirming the number of passengers and their luggage, Zhou and the customer settled on a fare of $940, which included fuel and tolls. The customer paid a $100 deposit and specified the pick-up location. However, Zhou did not investigate the addresses in upstate New York and midtown Manhattan, assuming the passengers were likely international students.
The Journey Begins
The following morning, Zhou followed GPS instructions to head north on Interstate 87. As he drove, snow-covered trees lined the highway, and the temperature dropped significantly. After traveling approximately 300 miles, he found himself in New York’s North Country, near the Canadian border. Despite his limited English skills and difficulty reading signs, Zhou noticed something unusual about the area: nearly every establishment advertised with cannabis leaves. Unbeknownst to him, he had entered a Mohawk reservation known as Akwesane, which spans Canada and the United States. The legalization of marijuana in New York in 2021 had made the reservation a popular spot for cannabis shops, partly due to more straightforward tribal recognition rules.
Waiting Game at the Pick-Up Location
After around seven hours on the road, Zhou arrived at the designated address, which turned out to be a gas station. He attempted to rest in his car while waiting for his customer. At precisely 11 a.m., the scheduled pick-up time, he messaged the customer in Mandarin, inquiring if they were outside.
Communication Issues and Delays
The reply came promptly: “Yes, right away.” However, when no one appeared, Zhou texted again, only to receive a message stating that his contact had overslept and was still packing. After another 40 minutes of waiting, he got a message asking about the waiting fee.
Unexpected Encounters
Zhou urged his customer to hurry, explaining that he needed to make a seven-hour return trip. Finally, around 2 p.m., a man wearing sunglasses and a Buffalo Bills ski cap arrived in a white pickup truck. Contrary to Zhou’s expectations, the passenger was not Chinese. With limited communication, the man instructed Zhou to follow him to a nearby house, where they loaded 12 items into Zhou’s minivan, including a cardboard box, a suitcase, and an orange-topped plastic garbage can.
A Disconcerting Realization
With the van filled to capacity, Zhou began to clear space for the passenger. “You can sit here,” he offered. The man, however, declined, stating he was not going. Puzzled, Zhou called the customer to clarify whether this was the only shipment for New York. The customer confirmed this, but as Zhou started to drive, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Concerns About the Cargo
After a brief conversation with the customer, Zhou made a call to a fellow driver in New York City to discuss his suspicions about the cargo. “Do you think there could be unidentifiable items in the box?” he asked. His friend suggested the possibility of opening it up to find out. Zhou hesitated, expressing his discomfort with the idea of inspecting someone else’s belongings. The conversation shifted to the potential presence of marijuana. Zhou, who had never smoked it due to the strict laws in China, admitted to noticing a pleasant aroma. Feeling anxious and uncertain, he reflected on the odd encounter, especially since he had just completed a long drive before arriving at this unexpected situation.
