Between October 17 and 28, 2014, border services officers at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre made five similar seizures totalling some 2,635 grams of suspected heroin. The five packages originated in Tanzania.
These are the details:
On October 17, border services officers (BSOs) X-rayed a postal shipment containing bags, clothing and frames which showed irregularities. A total of 500 grams of suspected heroin was hidden in the lining of the cardboard box. Later that day, the same officers intercepted a second box similar to the first. X-rays revealed the presence of narcotics. The 500 grams of suspected heroin were hidden in the inner lining of the cardboard box, which contained handbags, frames and cups.
On October 24, BSOs noticed a shipment not unlike the boxes found on October 17. X-rays confirmed the presence of drugs in the packaging. A total of 430 grams of suspected heroin was found. The shipment contained craft jewelry and belts. That same day, the same BSOs intercepted a second shipment and X-rayed it. The drugs were hidden in the lining of the package, which contained such items as jewelry, table cloths and pictures. A total of 625 grams of suspected heroin was found.
Lastly, on October 28, a fifth postal shipment from Tanzania was intercepted by BSOs. X-ray examination revealed the presence of narcotics. The 580 grams of suspected heroin were hidden in the cardboard packaging around the 136 items of jewelry in the shipment, which also contained key holders and pictures.
All the suspected narcotics were seized by CBSA officers at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Quick facts
- From January 1 to September 30, 2014, CBSA made a total of 6,528 drug seizures Canada-wide, including 1,437 in Quebec.
- Seizures in postal shipments were the most common: from January 1 to September 30, 2014, CBSA made 3,572 narcotics intercepts in postal shipments across Canada, including 960 at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre.
Quotation
“I am proud of the work done by border services officers, who have specialized training in drug interception. CBSA plays a key role in preventing the entry into Canada of illegal drugs that jeopardize the safety of our communities and enrich criminals.”
Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region
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Contacts
Media Relations
CBSA, Quebec Region
514-350-6130
Que_media_ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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