Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials recently seized nearly 2,500 kg of opium in what they are saying is the largest opium seizure to date for the CBSA.
Details of the seizure and investigation were released during a Friday morning press conference at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility.
“Our border services officers, intelligence officers and analysts work hard to ensure illicit and dangerous drugs stay out of our communities,” said Nina Patel, CBSA Regional Director General/Pacific Region. “This record seizure of opium is an example of their outstanding dedication to protect our communities.”
According to the CBSA, in September, the CBSA Intelligence Sections and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit initiated an investigation into a potential significant importation of controlled substances concealed inside marine containers.
On Oct. 25, the CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations conducted an examination of goods within 19 marine containers based on this investigation. Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, including X-ray technology, officers discovered irregularities in the shipping pallets as part of a deep concealment method. Further physical examination confirmed approximately 2,486 kg of opium within 247 shipping pallets.
The drugs seized were turned over to the RCMP FSOC unit for further criminal investigation.
“Committed to protecting Canadians from the most serious criminal threats, BC RCMP Federal Policing works closely with our domestic and international partners in combating organized crime,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Will Ng. “Being jointly responsible for protecting Canada’s border, today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of our dedication to keeping illicit drugs from entering our communities, through our enduring partnership, and ongoing collaboration with the CBSA, at home, and abroad.”
Marco Mendicino, Federal Minister of Public Safety said the safety and security of our communities is our top priority.
“Our work begins at the borders, stopping illicit drugs from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity. I want to thank CBSA employees for their quick and decisive action to keep our country safe,” said Mendicino, in a news release.
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough was on hand at the press conference of behalf of Mendicino.
“Today’s announcement shows that our front line agencies are working hard to keep illegal substances off our streets,” said Qualtrough. “This is effective and essential work that keeps communities, especially those in proximity to ports, safe from crime. With CBSA making this historic seizure in British Columbia, Canadians can rest assured of the excellent work being done to keep communities across Canada safe.”
