The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have seized multimillion-dollar methamphetamine in their drive to prevent the smuggling of illegal and dangerous drugs.
“The safety and security of Canadians is our top priority. By stopping the smuggling of illegal drugs, we’re keeping communities safe and combatting organized crime. These seizures are great examples of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA and the RCMP,” said Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs.
On two separate occasions in July, CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seized a combined 24.84 kg of methamphetamine concealed in passenger suitcases destined for Sydney, Australia. At the time of this seizure, the street value of the methamphetamine was estimated at $1.25 million.
On July 27, 2024, CBSA Border Services Officers, with the support of the Detector Dog Service, intercepted 10 kg of methamphetamine from a Canadian citizen. The methamphetamine was concealed in false-sided compartments of two suitcases.
On July 29, 2024, CBSA Border Services Officers intercepted 14.84 kg of methamphetamine from a Canadian citizen while examining the traveller’s suitcase. Upon examination of the suitcase, officers discovered a total of four vacuum-sealed packages containing methamphetamine wrapped in clothing.
On both occasions, the travellers were arrested and taken into custody by the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC).
“Our agency is combatting the smuggling of illegal drugs at our border and disrupting crime networks. These seizures demonstrate the diligence and detection capabilities of our border services officers and the important role of our intelligence operations in intercepting illegal and harmful substances,” added Nina Patel, Regional Director General of the Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region
The investigations are ongoing, and the RCMP FSOC is putting forward numerous criminal charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
“These interdictions by the CBSA and the Pacific Region RCMP Federal Policing Program have served to protect Canadians and our partner nations from exposure to a significant amount of potentially toxic drugs. They also demonstrate our shared commitment to defending Canada’s border from transnational criminal elements that threaten our nation,” stated Chief Superintendent. Stephen Lee, Deputy Regional Commander – RCMP Federal Policing Program – Pacific Region.
