CBSA Makes Large Cocaine Seizure

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on Wednesday that its officers had seized 48.5 kg of cocaine at the Port of Montréal.

The cocaine was discovered on March 28, 2013 in two sports bags that had been placed inside a shipping container. Upon the routine opening of the container doors, border services officers noticed the two out of place sports bags on top of containers merchandise boxes. Officers then searched the suspicious bags and found a total of 39 packages of “white bricks” wrapped inside several layers of protective packaging. Further tests determined that it was cocaine.

The narcotics were turned over to the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police .

“I am proud of the work done by CBSA officers,” said Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region. “Through their constant vigilance, they prevent illegal drugs from entering Canada and ensure the protection and safety of Canadians.”

No charges have been laid as of yet, but the RCMP are continuing to investigate and are expected to be making an update on their progress public soon.

In 2012, border services officers across Canada made 11,017 drug seizures, including 360 cocaine seizures.

Quebec Border officers have had a busy year so far, in March border services officers in Montérégie  made three separate seizures of contraband tobacco, totalling nearly 48,000 kg with an estimated market value of around $5 million.

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SOURCE: CANADA BORDER SERVICES AGENCY