Ottawa, Ontario, July 26, 2013 – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today commented on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announcement of the interception of 13,000 kilograms of khat in 1,300 seizures from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between January 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013. Khat is banned in Canada, the United States and in many European countries.
“Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Individuals who attempt to smuggle this substance into Canada will face the full force of the law," said Minister Blaney. "I commend the CBSA’s border service officers at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and International Mail Processing Centre, whose vigilance led to these seizures over the last several months."
Through the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the Government of Canada is allocating approximately $100 million over five years to combat the production and distribution of illegal drugs. From this funding, significant investments have been made to improve border security to curb the cross-border transportation of illegal drugs and proactively target illicit drug producers.
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For further information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
Canada Border Services Agency – Greater Toronto Area
Media Line
905-803-2800
