December 23, 2008 - The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, made the following statement in response to the news that a combined law enforcement operation has resulted in the seizure of approximately 276 kilograms of alleged cocaine with an approximate street value of $40 million.
"The collaboration among law enforcement agencies is a tried and true combination that works to keep drugs off our streets and out of our communities. Together with sophisticated detection technology, law enforcement officers have again stopped delivery of an alleged illegal drug shipment .
As part of our government's National Anti-Drug Strategy, approximately $22 million over two years has been invested to support law enforcement in combating the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
I would like to extend thanks on behalf of all Canadians to members of the St John Police Force in New Brunswick, the Durham Regional Police in Ontario, the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency who took part in this successful operation. It sends a strong message to anyone involved in the illicit drug trade that the Government of Canada will not tolerate illegal drug activity."
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
