RCMP arrest three individuals in relation to fentanyl Importation
RICHMOND HILL, ON, July 26, 2018 /CNW/ - On June 21st 2018, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre in Richmond, British Columbia intercepted two packages containing a total of 750 grams of Fentanyl, consigned to an address in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Packages were later turned over to the RCMP, for further investigation.
On July 10th, 2018, RCMP officers attended at the consignee's address in Richmond Hill. A male, later identified as Youssef Messoudi, was observed taking into his possession a package and departing in a vehicle with two other male occupants. While being followed by RCMP vehicles, one of the male occupants discarded an object from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped at which time the occupants fled the scene. One suspect was captured and arrested after a brief foot chase, he was identified as Youssef Messoudi. The scene was searched at which time a .22 calibre semi-automatic pistol was located and seized. Shortly thereafter, another suspect, Asena Foto turned himself in.
As a result of this investigation, officers attended at the consignee's address in Richmond Hill and arrested Angus Belleau.
The following individuals were charged:
Youssef Messoudi (20 years old) of Toronto, Ontario charged with:
- Importation of a controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada- contrary to the CDSA;
- Conspiracy to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to the CCC;
- Attempt to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to the CDSA;
- Conspiracy to import controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada – contrary to the CCC);
- Possession of a prohibited firearm – contrary to the CCC;
- Being in a motor vehicle with a prohibited firearm – contrary to the CCC;
- Fail to comply with recognizance-contrary to the CCC.
Asena Foto (18 years old) of Toronto, Ontario charged with:
- Conspiracy to import controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada – contrary to the CCC;
- Importation of a controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada- contrary to the CDSA;
- Conspiracy to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to the CCC;
- Attempt to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to CDSA
- Possession of a prohibited firearm – contrary to the CCC;
- Being in a motor vehicle with a prohibited firearm – contrary to the CCC;
- Fail to stop for police-contrary to the CCC
Angus Belleau (38 years old) of Richmond Hill, Ontario charged with:
- Conspiracy to import controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada-contrary to the CCC;
- Importation of a controlled substance (Fentanyl) into Canada-contrary to the CDSA;
- Conspiracy to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to the CCC;
- Attempt to possess a controlled substance (Fentanyl) for the purpose of trafficking-contrary to the CDSA
"We are pleased with the results of this investigation," says Supt. Chris Leather of the RCMP. "Together with our integrated partners, we continue to press forward against drug trafficking and gun violence in the GTA, and to target those individuals whose activity puts the public at risk. These investigations remain a priority for the RCMP and the CBSA. We will continue to aggressively pursue drug importers in the GTA".
"Our border services officers are trained to detect and intercept illicit drugs, like fentanyl," said Roslyn H. MacVicar, Regional Director General of the Canada Border Services Agency in the Pacific Region. "We are extremely proud of the diligence of our front line officers in preventing these harmful drugs from entering our communities, and of our intelligence officers for their work in continuing the investigation and for their ongoing collaboration with our police law enforcement partners to ensure that we are effectively targeting the individuals responsible for importing these dangerous substances."
Law enforcement agencies work diligently to make our communities a safer place to live, however your assistance in remaining vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us be even more successful. If you have any information about the trafficking of fentanyl or wish to report other criminality, you can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.
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Website: RCMP in Ontario
Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
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SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police
For further information: Media contacts: Cpl. Louise Savard, RCMP "O" Division Media Relations, 905-876-9709 office, 416-896-3702 cell phone, Email: [email protected]; Media Relations, Pacific Region, Canada Border Services Agency, 604-818-9701 office, Email: [email protected]
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