UMVA has learned that a 57-year-old Fort Erie man, previously convicted of possessing child pornography, has now pleaded guilty to smuggling methamphetamine and fentanyl into the U.S.
The guilty plea comes as a shock to many, given the individual's troubled past. Eric Hagen faces up to 20 years in a U.S. federal prison and a staggering US$1-million fine for his latest offenses.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Hagen was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Peace Bridge linking Fort Erie to Buffalo on Aug. 1, 2025. During a secondary inspection, officers discovered multiple electronic devices, including cellular phones, hard drives, a laptop, and a baby monitor.
The inspection yielded a significant find: two plastic containers containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. The quantity and value of the drugs remain undisclosed, but the discovery has undoubtedly dealt a blow to Hagen's already tarnished reputation.
This latest conviction marks a disturbing chapter in Hagen's history of run-ins with the law. In June 2024, he was convicted in St. Catharines of possessing child pornography, a charge that was laid after a thorough investigation by the Niagara Regional Police's Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit and Technological Crimes Unit.
The investigation led to a raid on a Fort Erie residence, where officers seized a number of electronic devices. A forensic examination of the equipment ultimately led to Hagen's downfall, despite his attempts to evade capture.
Hagen's troubles with the law date back to 2017, when he was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and fail to comply with recognizance in connection with the theft of a Sea-Doo. Two years later, he was arrested for breaking into a cargo trailer in Fort Erie.
The recent guilty plea brings Hagen one step closer to facing the consequences of his actions. However, a date for his sentencing has yet to be set, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this troubled individual.
