OTTAWA — April 26, 2007 — A joint investigation involving the Ottawa Airport Authority, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) and the "A" Division RCMP has resulted in the dismantling of a criminal organization responsible for the importation of Khat (Catha edulis).
This organization allegedly imported 1,788 bundles of Khat on five separate occasions, valued at approximately $171,290.
The investigation team was formed in May 2006 shortly after information was received by the OPS.
Three adult males have been arrested and charged:
Osman Ismail Hassan, 37-years old, of Ottawa
Abib Ige Aden, 49-years old, of Ottawa
Abdi Muse Ibrahim, 46-years old, of Toronto
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, all three suspects are being charged with Conspiracy to import into Canada a substance included in schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
They are also being charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with Importation into Canada of a substance included in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and with Possession for the purpose of trafficking of a substance included in Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Khat is an herb grown primarily in East Africa. Users chew or infuse the leaves of the plant as a stimulant similar to cocaine. The drug is smuggled into Canada from various countries, but mainly from the United Kingdom where it is not illegal. Under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA), Khat (Catha edulis) is designated a controlled substance in Canada. It is therefore a criminal offence to import, export or traffic Khat.
"The safety and security of all passengers, staff and visitors is the first priority of the Ottawa Airport Authority. As such, the Authority provided its full cooperation and assistance to the partner agencies to ensure the success of the project," said Krista Kealey, spokesperson for the Ottawa International Airport Authority.
Contact:
Ottawa RCMP
Corporal J.J. Hainey
613-993-9902
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Chris Kealey
Communications
613-991-5197
Ottawa Police Service
Cst. Isabelle Lemieux
613-236-1222 ext.5366
Ottawa International Airport Authority
Krista Kealey
613-248-2050
