Greater Toronto CBSA and RCMP continue to intercept unique drug smuggling techniques

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 22, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the GTA announced several seizures of narcotics found concealed in baby bassinets, carpets and bolts of fabric. These seizures are the result of three separate interdictions during the month of May 2012, at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

On May 8, 2012, border services officers seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of opium found concealed within bolts of fabric. The shipment had arrived from India via a courier company and had been declared as clothing. Upon examination of the shipment, officers found the narcotics.

Additionally, on May 24, 2012, 5.2 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted by border services officers examining baby bassinets within the luggage of two males. The travellers, on a flight from South America, were questioned by officers who then referred them for secondary examination. During the course of the baggage examination, a strong chemical odour was detected coming from the bassinets. An X-ray displaying anomalies in the bassinets led to the discovery of the cocaine.

Finally on May 29, 2012, officers working at CBSA Air Cargo examined a courier shipment of rugs from southern Asia. An X-ray showed anomalies within one of the rugs. Narcotics testing of two of the rugs indicated positive for heroin which had been concealed in one of the rugs.

"Criminal organizations often utilize major airports and gateways to facilitate the entry of illegal commodities into the country," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the GTA Region. "Our officers are expertly trained to intercept narcotics, even when the most unusual concealment methods are used."

All seizures of narcotics were turned over to the RCMP for further investigation. The two males with the narcotics in the baby bassinets have been charged with importing cocaine. The other two files are under investigation.

"From the violence surrounding drug deals to the 'break and enters' that occur to our homes to support drug habits, the illicit drug trade poses a threat to the safety of our communities," stated Inspector Dean Dickson, Officer in Charge of Toronto Airport Detachment. "The RCMP and our partners are committed to stopping these drugs from entering into our country and our communities and charging those responsible for the attempted importation wherever possible."

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 or the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020.

Photos related to this investigation may be viewed by visiting the following links:

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/prosecutions-poursuites/tor/2012-06-22-eng.html
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/news-nouvelles/index-eng.htm

For further information:

GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
Antonella DiGirolamo
905-803-2800

Media Relations
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sgt. Richard Rollings
519-640-7302 (office)
416-992-4409 (mobile)