Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

CBSA finds over 13 kilos of opium concealed in shock absorbers

Mississauga, Ontario, February 17, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the seizure of over 13 kilos of opium, with an estimated value of over $820,000.00, at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Air Cargo.

On January 9, 2012, border services officers identified a suspicious cargo shipment off a flight from Iran. Documentation accompanying the shipment identified the goods as spare parts. The shipment contained shock absorbers which were found to not fully compress.

With the assistance of X-ray technology, the border services officers were able to identify anomalies in the shipment. The opium was found concealed within the shock absorbers. The drugs were seized and turned over to the RCMP.

“Regardless of the method of concealment, by using detection equipment, training and experience, border services officers are able to locate narcotics and other contraband even when the most unusual and sophisticated concealment methods are used,” said Goran Vragovic, CBSA Regional Director General of the GTA Region. “Our officers are vigilant and will continue to keep up with concealment methods to prevent the smuggling of drugs at our entry points”.

In 2011, CBSA officers at the GTA airports, postal and cargo processing facilities seized 73 kg of opium with a value exceeding $4.3 million.

Superintendent Rick Penney, RCMP GTA Drug Enforcement Commander stated "Although we are not in a position to comment further on this matter, we are working with our partners towards identifying the criminal enterprise responsible and ultimately to their prosecution".

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.

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For media information
GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
905-803-2800

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