Cocaine seizure at Port of Halifax

News release

Suspected cocaine discovered in bricks of vegetable charcoal.

For Immediate Release

January 18, 2019 Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada Border Services Agency/Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) today announced a seizure of cocaine.

On November 16, 2018, CBSA officers at the Port of Halifax discovered 4.76 kg of cocaine while searching a marine container en route to Israel. With the use of tools, an extensive physical examination of the 1,200 bags of vegetable charcoal lead to the discovery of 33 small concealed packages of cocaine.

The seized narcotics were turned over to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) Section. As a result, the Israeli National Police (INP) arrested 11 suspects in Tel Aviv.

This was a joint operation involving international partners, CBSA, RCMP and INP.

Quotes

“Our officers are the first line of defence in protecting Canadians from the devastating social impacts and criminal activity associated with the smuggling of illegal drugs. Criminal groups try to come up with more sophisticated ways to smuggle drugs and our officers are trained to detect this”.

Chris Lorenz, Regional Director General, CBSA Atlantic Region

"This seizure is another excellent result of collaboration among the RCMP, CBSA and our law enforcement partners around the globe. By sharing intelligence and coordinating enforcement activities, we are targeting criminal groups and networks that are using increasingly sophisticated methods to attempt to smuggle drugs into our country”.

S/Sgt. Monica Jodrey, acting Federal Policing Officer, Federal and Serious Organized Crime, RCMP Nova Scotia

Quick facts

The CBSA requires pre-arrival information on all vessels and marine cargo to better risk manage higher and/or unknown risks while facilitating legitimate trade.
if you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police or the RCMP at 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

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Contacts

Atlantic Region Media Relations
902-426-0900
CommunicationsATL@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Cpl. Jennifer Clarke
Media Relations Officer
Nova Scotia RCMP
Office: 902-720-5652
Cell: 902-222-0154
jennifer.clarke@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2019-01-18