The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers recently seized 10 kg of ethylone, an amphetamine-like substance, from a shipment originating from China and destined to an address in Calgary.
On April 22 and 23, CBSA officers working at the Calgary Commercial Operations examined two shipments, declared as samples of black iron oxide. Inside each box, officers found 5 kg of an unknown dark crystalline substance. CBSA Laboratory tests confirmed the substance was ethylone.
The drugs were seized and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The investigation is ongoing.
Quick Facts
- These are the second and third seizures of amphetamines-like substances by CBSA in Calgary this year.
- Ethylone is in a category of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which are drug substitutes with similar effects to commonly known substances such as ecstasy or amphetamines. NPS are becoming more common as criminal elements attempt to create drugs that fall outside international drug regulations and are therefore easier to smuggle. Ethylone is identified under Schedule 1 of Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
- The drugs seized would have produced an estimated 100,000 doses.
- Since January 1, 2014, CBSA officers in Calgary have made more than 90 drug seizures totaling over 78 kg.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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