Two arrested after getting lost at the Canada - US border
HAMILTON, ON, Dec. 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Southern Ontario Region, seized a bag of suspected cocaine and currency at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario.
On November 22, 2017, two males in a rental vehicle who were lost near the Canada/U.S. border made a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge. In order to avoid crossing into the United States, the men turned around and returned to Canada through the NEXUS lane. Being non-NEXUS members they were referred to secondary for examination. CBSA officers examined the vehicle and seized approximately 120 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately $10,000 currency in the vehicle. The two men were arrested and transferred along with the evidence to the RCMP.
The RCMP charged the driver of the vehicle, Dean Howlett, 24 years of age of Toronto, Ontario with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA)
- Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code
- Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code and
- Obstruct Justice, contrary to the Criminal Code
The passenger of the vehicle Sezar Hermez, 25 years of age of Toronto, Ontario was charged with:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the CDSA
- Possession of Proceeds obtained by Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code and
- Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code
Both Hermez and Howlett have been released from custody and will appear in court on December 21st, 2017 at the St. Catharines court house.
"The RCMP is committed to protecting Canadian communities against the threat of illegal drugs. This investigation is another example of the effective partnership that exists between the RCMP and the CBSA which has resulted in the removal of harmful, illegal drugs from our communities." states Inspector Ann Koenig, Officer in charge of Hamilton Niagara RCMP Detachment.
"This seizure demonstrates that border services officers are committed to protecting our borders. We work in partnership with the RCMP to prevent illegal activity at the border and to keep our communities safe from illicit drugs," said Jeff Walters, Director, Fort Erie District Operations, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
Website: CBSA.GC.CA
Twitter: @CanBorderSOR
Facebook: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police
For further information: Sgt Penny Hermann, RCMP "O" Division Media Relations, 905-876-9571 office, 416-992-4409 cell phone; Southern Ontario Media Relations, Canada Border Services Agency, [email protected], 1-844-580-3636
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