The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continuously seizes drugs as part of its operations, most of which are found in international postal packages. From January 1 to June 30, 2014, border services officers made a total of 647 seizures of drugs and other controlled substances in packages arriving in Quebec.
The following are five examples of seizures made at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre during this period. Border services officers found prohibited goods despite drug traffickers’ elaborate concealment methods.
1) On February 26, 2014, a border services officer inspected a package declared as being two flashlights. He seized 13 marijuana seeds hidden in the flashlights’ battery compartments. The package originated in Great Britain.
2) On March 20, 2014, border services officers seized six bags containing total of about 30 ml of liquid steroids. They were identified as lubricants, massage oils and aromatherapy oils. The package was from Romania.
3) On April 1, 2014, the CBSA seized 1.23 kg of suspected cocaine found stuck between layers of photo paper and postcards. An X-ray inspection of the package revealed a mass between the layers of paper. The package came from Peru.
4) On May 22, 2014, border services officers seized 1.986 kg of opium hidden inside some frames and sculptures. The X-ray inspection showed irregular masses and the frames showed signs of alteration. The package was from Turkey.
5) On June 27, 2014, a border services officer opened what seemed like a VHS tape. Inside were hidden 20 glass flasks of 19 ml and 40 tablets. Subsequent tests revealed the substances to be suspected steroids. The package came from Serbia.
All the suspected drugs were turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Quick facts
- Between January 1 and June 30, 2014, the CBSA made 931 drug seizures in Quebec and 4,440 throughout Canada.
- The majority of the seizures were in the postal mode: from January to June 2014, the CBSA made 706 seizures in Quebec and 2,673 in Canada as a whole.
Quote
“The CBSA is not deceived by drug smugglers’ concealment strategies. Border services officers know how to successfully thwart their most subtle techniques. By intercepting drugs at the border, the CBSA contributes to preventing illegal drugs from winding up in our communities.”
Benoît Chiquette
Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region
Related links
CBSA detection technologies
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Contacts
Media Relations
CBSA, Quebec Region
514-350-6130
Que_media_ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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