POINT EDWARD, ON, Nov. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the arrest of two Quebec residents after an attempt to smuggle 39 kilograms of suspected cocaine into Canada at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario.
On November 19, 2014, CBSA officers at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing intercepted a commercial vehicle returning to Canada from the United States. The vehicle and its two occupants were referred for a secondary inspection. Upon examination of the truck and flat deck trailer, CBSA officers discovered two large duffle bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine in a modified compartment under the trailer. The CBSA seized the suspected cocaine and arrested the individuals for smuggling a prohibited substance under Section 159 of the Customs Act. The CBSA contacted the Sarnia detachment of the RCMP who attended and took custody of the suspected drugs and the individuals.
The RCMP arrested and charged Guy Asselin, 50, and Julie Nault, 38, both of Acton Vale, Quebec, with the following offences:
- Importing a controlled substance into Canada contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA
Asselin and Nault are currently in custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on November 26, 2014. The investigation continues.
Quotes
"The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously and our officers work diligently to prevent smuggling across our borders. This seizure demonstrates the excellent work being done by our border services officers. This is the second significant cocaine seizure at the Blue Water Bridge this year."
Rick Comerford, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency
"Cocaine is one of the illegal drugs most commonly imported into Canada by organized crime groups. This illegal drug trade brings violence and other associated crimes into our communities and neighborhoods. The RCMP and CBSA continue to work together to keep illegal drugs out of our country and our communities."
Sgt. Deborah Murtha, NCO in charge of the Sarnia Detachment, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Quick Facts
- This is the second largest cocaine seizure at the Blue Water Bridge this year.
- If you have information on suspicious or criminal activities please contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
- If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Associated Links
- CBSA seizes over 123 kg of suspected cocaine at Blue Water Bridge
- RCMP Newsroom (Ontario) – for photos related to this investigation
- CBSA National Statistics
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Contacts: RCMP Media Relations, "O" Division (Ontario), 416-992-4409; Website: RCMP in Ontario, Twitter: @RCMPONT, Facebook: RCMP.Ontario, YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE; Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Southern Ontario Region Communications, [email protected], 1-844-580-3636; Website: CBSA.GC.CA, Twitter: @CanBorder, Facebook: CanBorder, YouTube: CanBorder.
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