Prosecutions and Seizures

Northern Ontario Region (including Nunavut)

Six kilos of marijuana and cash seized at Pigeon River border crossing

Thunder Bay, Ontario, April 22, 2005 - Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Pigeon River border crossing seized over 6.1 kilograms of marijuana, $3,500 in cash and equipment from a hydroponic grow operations, during a vehicle inspection Wednesday evening.

"This seizure is an excellent example of the outstanding work done by our officers," said Roy Hagel, Chief of CBSA Operations for Thunder Bay-Pigeon River. "Stopping the smuggling of illegal drugs at our borders plays a big part in making our communities safer."

CBSA officers found several boxes containing freshly cut marijuana plants worth an estimated $143,000, while inspecting the vehicle, which also contained the components of a hydroponic grow operation, including lamps and fertilizer.

Four individuals travelling in the minivan at the time of the seizure have been charged with possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They were turned over to the RCMP, along with the marijuana and the cash.

For information about your rights and obligations when returning to Canada, visit the CBSA Web site.

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