The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) today announced the arrest of a Quebec resident after an attempt to smuggle 34 kg of cocaine into Canada at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario.
On April 4, 2015, border services officers (BSO) referred a transport truck and trailer, driven by a 32-year-old male, for a secondary examination. While conducting a search of the flatbed trailer, the officers observed a black duffle bag concealed under tarps within the undercarriage of the trailer.
An examination of the duffle bag resulted in the discovery of 31 bricks of cocaine with a combined total weight of approximately 34 kg. The BSO seized the cocaine and arrested the individual for smuggling a prohibited substance under section 159 of the Customs Act. The CBSA contacted the RCMP Sarnia Detachment who attended and took custody of the drugs and the individual.
The RCMP charged Mathieu Lavertu, of Victoriaville, Quebec, with the following offences: importation of cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine. Lavertu is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 19, 2015. The investigation continues.
Quick Facts
- The CBSA has made 31 cocaine seizures in the Southern Ontario Region since May 2014.
- If you have information on suspicious or criminal activities please contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
- If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Quotes
“Over the last 12 months, border services officers in Sarnia have seized 196 kilos of cocaine. Border services officers are committed in keeping our communities safe. This seizure demonstrates the hard work and perseverance of our law enforcement officers working together to protect our border.”
Richard Comerford, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, CBSA
“Cocaine is one of the illegal drugs most commonly imported into Canada by organized crime groups. This illegal drug trade brings violence and other associated crimes into our communities and neighbourhoods. The RCMP and the CBSA continue to work together to keep illegal drugs out of our country and our communities.”
Cpl. Randy Schertzer, NCO in charge of the Sarnia Detachment, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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Contacts
Southern Ontario Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
CBSA-ASFC_SouthernOntarioRegionNews@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-844-580-3636
Website: CBSA.GC.CA
Twitter: @CanBorder
Facebook: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder
