Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

CBSA releases March 2012 Cocaine Seizures for the GTA

Mississauga, Ontario, April 17, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the seizure of 70 kilos of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $8 million, in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These seizures are resultant of eleven separate interdictions by border services officers (BSOs) for the month of March 2012 alone.

BSOs use high-tech contraband detection equipment, specialized training, expertise and knowledge to locate narcotics and other contraband, even when the most refined concealment methods are used. Examples of concealment methods for the above-noted seizures include: within the rear hold of aircrafts, in false sides of luggage, inside a golf bag, and within two 750ml bottles of wine.

CBSA officers identified two female travellers who were subsequently searched and found to be concealing multiple suspected cocaine pellets, sewn inside the lining of hockey-style shorts they were wearing. Suspected cocaine was also found in packages hidden inside bicycle shorts of two other travellers. In another case, using advance intelligence information and expert interview skills, BSOs seized suspected cocaine pellets ingested by a lone female traveller arriving from Jamaica.

BSOs working at Air Cargo successfully intercepted suspected cocaine, while off-loading cargo from an aircraft. Using x-ray technology to assist in the examination of the cargo, officers discovered the contraband hidden inside mail bags.

"These seizures by CBSA officers demonstrate how training and experience lead to the interception of narcotics, even when the most unusual concealment methods are used," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the GTA Region. "I want to congratulate the officers involved in these seizures. The CBSA will continue to be diligent in our efforts to prevent the smuggling of drugs at our borders."

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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