Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

CBSA finds five kilos of heroin concealed in automotive parts

Mississauga, Ontario, February 9, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced a seizure of five kilos of heroin, with an estimated value of $2 million, at the Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Air Cargo.

On January 26, 2012, border services officers identified a suspicious cargo shipment off a flight from Pakistan. Documentation accompanying the shipment identified the goods as being shipped by a food additive company, but the cargo was found to contain automotive parts.

With the assistance of detector dog teams and X-ray technology, the border service officers were able to identify anomalies in the cargo. The heroin was found concealed within the engine parts.  

The drugs were seized and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

"The CBSA is committed to the safety and protection of all Canadians," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Region. "In preventing the smuggling of narcotics, including heroin, at our entry points, border services officers help make our streets and communities safer."

In 2011, CBSA officers at the GTA airports, postal and cargo processing facilities seized 92 kg of heroin worth over $36.6 million.

The CBSA works to prevent drugs and other contraband from entering Canada. If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident involving suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.

-30-

For media information
Antonella DiGirolamo
GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
905-803-5366

Follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.