The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today that a seizure of over 35 kg of cocaine at the Waneta port of entry in Trail, British Columbia has led to charges against a Kelowna woman. Caitlin Christine Gladdish, 26, is facing charges of importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
On July 26, 2014, CBSA officers conducted an inspection of Gladdish’s vehicle upon her return to Canada, and discovered the suspected cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment. The narcotics were turned over to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit, which confirmed the drugs to be cocaine and continued the investigation, resulting in the charges announced today.
Quick Facts
- This is the single largest cocaine seizure in history in the Kootenay area.
- Last year in British Columbia, border services officers seized 294 kg of cocaine through land, air and marine ports.
- If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident involving suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.Tips can be provided anonymously.
Quotes
“This significant seizure demonstrates the excellent work of our border services officers to ensure our borders are not used for the smuggling of illegal drugs. It also shows how collaboration with other law enforcement agencies such as the RCMP can effectively help to prevent criminal activity in Canada.”
Lorne Black, Chief, CBSA
“RCMP Federal Policing and CBSA collaborate regularly to target cross border criminal activity. This effective partnership prevented a significant amount of harmful and illegal drugs from entering Canada and reaching the streets of our communities.”
Inspector Brian Gateley, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit
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Contacts
Laurie White
RCMP Federal Media Relations
778 290-2910
604 644-5944
CBSA Media Relations
604-818-9701
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Photo caption: Border services officers seized over 35 kg of cocaine at the Waneta port of entry.
