Top five Edmonton border stories of 2016
News Release
With a new year upon us, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) shares the top stories from Edmonton in 2016. Each of these stories highlights the important role that our border services officers play in protecting Canadians:
The top story of the year was the interception of over 125 kg of N-phenethyl-4-piperidinone (NPP), a fentanyl precursor, at the CBSA’s commercial operations in Edmonton. The interception itself occurred in October 22, 2015, and on July 7, 2016, the CBSA joined Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams in the announcement of the interception and drug charges against two Edmonton residents, following a 15‑month fentanyl production investigation. The amount of NPP intercepted by the CBSA in Edmonton could have been used to produce 38 million fentanyl pills.
In one of the most significant immigration stories in recent years, an Edmonton woman was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, on May 20, for contravening the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). She employed at least 68 foreign nationals who were not authorized to work in Canada, and induced three foreign nationals in the Philippines to come to Canada to work for her company but failed to pay the wages promised.
A restaurant in Edmonton received a $14,000 court fine, on June 28, for contravening the IRPA by failing to follow the terms and conditions of the Labour Market Impact Assessment. A foreign national was hired to work as a food counter attendant at the restaurant; however, the restaurant’s director was also employing the woman as a housekeeper and part-time caregiver in his home. The restaurant was also ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution to the victim.
As one of the many drug-related seizures in Edmonton, CBSA officers at Edmonton International Airport (EIA) intercepted a traveller returning to Canada who had ingested 82 pellets of suspected cocaine, weighing a total of 978.6 grams. After the traveller received medical attention and safely expelled the pellets, the traveller and drugs were turned over to Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Finally, after eight years of service and over 300 food, plant and animal seizures, detector dog Max retired from his career with the CBSA. Max also played an integral role in intercepting undeclared currency, narcotics, jewelry, tobacco and alcohol. A new yellow Labrador retriever named Beau is a welcome addition to EIA, and will be following in Max’s footsteps.
Quick Facts
- CBSA officers in Edmonton welcomed more than: 741,040 travellers in 7,482 aircraft.
- CBSA officers in Edmonton processed 784,491 courier shipments.
- Officers completed 1,537 permanent resident landings, and issued 2,790 work permits and 631 study permits.
Quotes
“This has been a significant year for Edmonton operations. From making significant drug seizures to protecting the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, our officers in Edmonton continue to go above and beyond in serving Canadians.”
Greg Valentine
A/Director, Central Alberta District
Canada Border Services Agency
Associated Links
CBSA in Edmonton releases highlights from 2015
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Contact
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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