Methamphetamine and US currency seized at the Blue Water Bridge

News release

May 16, 2019                                          Point Edward, Ontario                                    Canada Border Services Agency


The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Southern Ontario Region, in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), London Detatchment, announced today the seizure of 25.05 kilograms of methamphetamine and the arrest of a Canadian resident.

On May 2, 2019, a semi-truck entered Canada through the Blue Water Bridge, Point Edward, Ontario, and was referred for a secondary examination.

During the examination, CBSA officers utilized a Large Scale Imaging x-ray to scan the vehicle. An anomaly was discovered which initiated a more progressive search of the truck with the support of a detector dog. This led to the discovery of 23 clear wrapped packages which tested positive for methamphetamine. Additionally, two envelopes containing 126,000 USD were found during the vehicle search.

The CBSA contacted the RCMP who took custody of the subject and seized the substance and currency. Branislav Barac, 42, of Mississauga, Ontario, is charged with:

  • One count of importing a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA);

  • One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance (methamphetamine), contrary to the CDSA;

  • One count of trafficking of a controlled substance, contrary to the CDSA;

  • One count of possession of property or proceeds of property in currency of the United States of America, over $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC);

  • One count of possession of property or proceeds of property in currency of the United States of America, over $5,000, contrary to the CCC;

  • One count of possession of currency with the intent to conceal or convert those proceeds, contrary to the CCC;

  • One count of failing to report to an officer the importation of currency, greater than $10,000, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.

Mr. Barac’s next court date is May 21, 2019 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia, Ontario.

The investigation continues and is now led by the London RCMP Border Integrity Team.

Additional multimedia

Twenty-three (23) clear wrapped packages of suspected methamphetamine and two manila envelopes containing U.S. currency totaling $126,000 USD seized by the CBSA at the Blue Water Bridge, in Point Edward, Ontario, on May 2, 2019.

Quotes

“This seizure is another great example of the outstanding work done by the Canada Border Services Agency who continue to keep illegal drugs and other contraband off of our streets.”

-  Christine Durocher, A/Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

"This investigation is a testament to the strength of collaboration between the CBSA and the newly created London RCMP Border Integrity Team, and is an excellent example of both agencies working together for a common goal.”

Inspector Leslie Meagher, Officer in Charge, London RCMP Detachment

Quick facts

  • All currency and monetary instruments must be reported if they total $10,000 or greater in CAN dollars or its equivalent.

  • If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

  • Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Contacts

Media Relations

Canada Border Services Agency

Questions@CBSA-ASFC.gc.ca

Media Line:       1-613-957-6500

Website:            www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Twitter:              @CanBorderSOR

Facebook:       CanBorder

Instagram:         CanBorder

YouTube:        CanBorder

RCMP Media Relations

Cpl. Louise SAVARD,
RCMP "O" Division
905-876-9709

Email: media.relations.rcmp-Ontario-relations.medias.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Website: RCMP in Ontario

Twitter: @RCMPONT

Facebook: RCMP.Ontario

YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE

Instagram: rcmpontario

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