Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers have intercepted 187.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine at the Ambassador Bridge, resulting in the arrest of a commercial truck driver.
The drugs were discovered on May 23 during a secondary inspection of a truck entering Canada from the United States. Officers found two suitcases and five garbage bags in the trailer containing 161 bricks of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of $23.4 million.
CBSA officers arrested a 55-year-old Richmond Hill, Ont. resident and turned him over to the RCMP along with the seized cocaine. He has been charged with importation of cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The CBSA and RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.
“When CBSA intercepts an attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into Canada, they are acting as our first line of defence against organized crime,” said federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. “They are protecting communities throughout Canada and demonstrating to us all that keeping our borders secure is a national public safety priority.”
Michael Prosia, CBSA’s Regional Director General for Southern Ontario, said officers continue to adapt to evolving smuggling methods. “We use all tools and intelligence at our disposal to stop narcotics from reaching our streets.”
Superintendent James Parr of the RCMP Central Region said the seizure highlights the strength of collaboration between agencies. “This successful seizure is a testament to the dedication and coordination between our law enforcement partners.”
The federal government has committed $1.3 billion to strengthen border security and the immigration system. Anyone with information about cross-border smuggling is encouraged to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
