The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today a significant seizure of more than 46 kilograms of cocaine found hidden in a commercial cargo shipment at the Port of Halifax.
On May 2, 2014, border services officers in Halifax discovered the drugs while searching a Montréal-bound container from Panama. The container, with cargo declared as suitcases, was identified as high-risk by the CBSA National Targeting Centre (NTC). During the inspection, officers scanned the contents with X-ray technology and found irregularities in 10 of the 207 suitcases. Upon closer examination, vacuum-sealed packages containing an off-white powder were found concealed within the back wall of each suitcase. Subsequent narcotics testing confirmed the substance was suspected cocaine.
The seized narcotics were turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Serious and Organized Crime Unit in Nova Scotia. Investigators in Nova Scotia then began working with the RCMP Montréal National Port Enforcement Team. On May 15, four men from South America were arrested in Montréal, Quebec. The investigation continues and charges are pending.
Quick Facts
- The NTC reviews advance cargo information before shipments are loaded at foreign ports or arrive at our borders. High-risk shipments and cargo that may pose a threat to Canada are referred for examination at the first point of arrival or intervention.
- In 2013, there were 130 narcotics seizures in the Atlantic Region, including five seizures of cocaine.
- If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Quote
“Our officers are the first line of defence in protecting Canadians from the devastating social impacts and criminal activity associated with the smuggling of illegal drugs. Drug seizures of this magnitude show that the CBSA and the RCMP are making a real difference in protecting Canadian communities.”
- Rick Patterson, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia District, Atlantic Region
“The importation of drugs is a focus for the RCMP in Nova Scotia. By sharing intelligence and coordinating enforcement activities with our partners at the CBSA, we are targeting criminal groups and networks that are using increasingly sophisticated methods to attempt to smuggle drugs into our country and onto our streets."
- Sgt. Keith MacKinnon, Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit, RCMP
Associated Links
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Contacts
CBSA Atlantic Region Communications
902-426-0900
RCMP Nova Scotia
Media Relations Officer
Sgt. Alain LeBlanc
Office: 902-720-5652
Cell: 902-222-0154
alain.g.leblanc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
RCMP Montréal
Media Relations
514-939-8308
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