CBSA seizes largest amount of opium to date
News release
December 16, 2022 Vancouver, British Columbia Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping Canadian communities safe from illicit drugs. Today, the CBSA announced the significant seizure of nearly 2,500 kilograms of opium in Vancouver, British Columbia – the largest opium seizure to date for the CBSA.
In September 2022, the CBSA Intelligence Sections and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit initiated an investigation into a potential significant importation of controlled substances concealed inside marine containers. On October 25, 2022, the CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations conducted an examination of goods within 19 marine containers based on this investigation. Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, including X-ray technology, officers discovered irregularities in the shipping pallets as part of a deep concealment method. Further physical examination confirmed approximately 2,486 kilograms of opium within 247 shipping pallets.
The drugs seized were turned over to the RCMP FSOC unit for further criminal investigation.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
"The safety and security of our communities is our top priority. Our work begins at the borders, stopping illicit drugs from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity. I want to thank CBSA employees for their quick and decisive action to keep our country safe."
– The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
“Today’s announcement shows that our front line agencies are working hard to keep illegal substances off our streets. This is effective and essential work that keeps communities, especially those in proximity to ports, safe from crime. With CBSA making this historic seizure in British Columbia, Canadians can rest assured of the excellent work being done to keep communities across Canada safe.”
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
"Our border services officers, intelligence officers and analysts work hard to ensure illicit and dangerous drugs stay out of our communities. This record seizure of opium is an example of their outstanding dedication to protect our communities."
– Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region, Canada Border Services Agency
"Committed to protecting Canadians from the most serious criminal threats, BC RCMP Federal Policing works closely with our domestic and international partners in combating organized crime. Being jointly responsible for protecting Canada’s border, today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of our dedication to keeping illicit drugs from entering our communities, through our enduring partnership, and ongoing collaboration with the CBSA, at home, and abroad."
– Will Ng, Assistant Commissioner, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Quick facts
-
The CBSA's Intelligence Section plays a key role in the identification of border-related risks and in protecting the safety and security of Canadians. Intelligence activities are conducted to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals and entities that are of interest to the CBSA in connection to organized crime, drug smuggling, and other violations of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
-
The CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations plays an important role in facilitating the free flow of legitimate trade in the Pacific Region. The Metro Vancouver Marine Operations includes the largest marine port in Canada.
-
Border services officers are highly trained in examination and investigative techniques to intercept prohibited goods and illicit drugs from entering Canada.
-
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.
-
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-877-761-5945
Twitter @CanBorderPAC