CBSA seizes over 1,400 kilograms of suspected cannabis

CBSA seizes over 1,400 kilograms of suspected cannabis

June 10, 2020              Mississauga, Ontario                             Canada Border Services Agency

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) remains committed to addressing risks and threats in cross-border trade while ensuring essential goods continue to enter Canada’s supply chain. Today, the CBSA announced that more than 1,400 kilograms of suspected cannabis were seized from two locations in the Greater Toronto Area.

In two separate seizures, Commercial Operations Border Services Officers (BSO) seized suspected cannabis, set to be exported, with an estimated value of $10.8 million from locations in Brampton and Mississauga.

On May 22, 2020, while examining shipments at a Brampton warehouse, BSOs noticed anomalies in a load of over 5,400 kilograms of gardening mulch. After nine hours of sifting through the shipment, more than 685 kilograms of suspected cannabis was discovered. The shipment was bound for the United States. The CBSA estimates the value of the suspected cannabis to be over $5,000,000.

On May 28, 2020, 800 kilograms of suspected cannabis concealed in plastic kitchen containers at a Mississauga warehouse was seized when a detector dog indicated to the potential presence of narcotics on an export shipment under examination by BSOs. The suspected cannabis was bound for the United States. The CBSA estimates the value of this seizure to be over $5,800,000.

All the suspected cannabis was turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The CBSA investigation continues.

Under the Cannabis Act, it remains illegal to import into Canada, or export from Canada, cannabis without a valid permit, issued by the Government of Canada.

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.