CBSA seizure of 233 kg of cocaine leads to RCMP charges

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

January 10, 2024       Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario     Canada Border Services Agency/Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) worked together to protect our communities by keeping approximately 6.5 million dollars worth of cocaine from entering Canada. 

On September 26, 2023, a commercial truck driver arrived at the primary inspection booth at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge port of entry in Niagara-on-the Lake, Ontario. The vehicle and driver were referred for secondary examination, and border services officers discovered 202 brick-shaped objects. The objects tested positive for suspected cocaine with a total weight of 233 kg. The driver was arrested by the CBSA and transferred to the custody of the RCMP Border Integrity Unit, along with the suspected narcotics.

A thorough investigation followed and on December 19, 2023 the RCMP charged 35-year-old Sukhwinder DHANJU of Brampton, Ontario with:

• Importation of cocaine, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Dhanju has been released with strict conditions. A court date is scheduled for February 2, 2024 at 09:00 a.m. at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Additional multimedia

Suspected cocaine seized at the Queenston Bridge port of entry on September 26, 2023.

Quotes

“The diligence of our border services officers led to this significant seizure of cocaine. Our work with the RCMP is key to dismantling smuggling efforts and keeping harmful drugs out of our communities.”

~Jeff Walters, District Director, Niagara District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency

“This investigation is another great example of the partnership between the RCMP and the CBSA to keep our communities safe. The RCMP and the CBSA once again, through a joint effort, demonstrated continued commitment in working together to effectively disrupt the drug trade.”

~Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, Officer in Charge, RCMP Border Integrity Program, O Division

Quick facts

  • 2023 Year in review:  Accomplishments by the numbers

  • 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.

  • Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals this may mean removal from Canada, and a ban on returning to Canada. 

  • For the latest contraband statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures. 

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

Contacts

Canada Border Services Agency 
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500
Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca 
Twitter:  @CanBorderSOR
Facebook:  CanBorder
Instagram:  CanBorder
YouTube:  CanBorder

Royal Canadian Mounted Police, O Division
Media Relations
Email: media.relations.rcmp-Ontario-relations.medias.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: /RCMP.Ontario
Instagram: @rcmpont
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE

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