29 kg of suspected opium poppy seized at Pacific Highway
News release
August 28, 2020 Surrey, B.C. Canada Border Services Agency/Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) today announced a significant suspected drug seizure and arrest at the Pacific Highway, British Columbia port of entry.
On August 12, 2020, CBSA officers at Pacific Highway referred a commercial driver for further inspection. After X-ray imaging of the tractor and trailer revealed anomalies, officers continued their examination and located seven boxes of suspected dried opium poppy plants (including the pods), weighing 29 kg total.
Officers arrested the driver and turned them, along with the suspected opium poppy plants, over to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit. The driver was released pending a further ongoing investigation.
The CBSA estimates the value of the suspected opium poppy plants at $58,000.
Quotes
“Opium poppy is the source of all natural opioids, including doda, a highly-addictive street drug made from dried pods and husks. The CBSA conducts risk-based screening at the border and works with the RCMP to protect Canadians from all forms of drug smuggling.”
Daniela Evans, Director of Pacific Highway District, Canada Border Services Agency
"Investigations such as this, highlight the important relationship between the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime in detecting and interdicting drugs in the first instance and bringing those allegedly responsible through the court process. Such partnerships are critical in supporting our ongoing commitment to combatting transnational organized crime."
Inspector Stephen Lee, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime
Quick facts
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Opium poppy and its derivatives are regulated under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Only licensed dealers under the Narcotic Control Regulations are allowed to import or export opium, with a valid permit.
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The CBSA and the RCMP work together to prevent illegal drug smuggling that endangers the safety of Canadian communities and generates profits for organized crime.
Associated links
Contacts
Luke Reimer
Communications Adviser
Canada Border Services Agency
204-290-0688
Cpl. Daniel Michaud
Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Federal Serious and Organized Crime
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
daniel.michaud@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
778-290-4657