Two people arrested for importing drugs in orange juice containers

TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Serious and Organized Crime (SOC) at Toronto Airport Detachment (TAD) have arrested two Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents for illegally importing approximately 44 litres of liquid cocaine.

This investigation commenced on November 16, 2015, when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Port of Halifax inspected a sea container containing different food products that originated from Trinidad and Tobago. Upon further examination of the container, CBSA officers discovered approximately 44 litres of liquid cocaine concealed in over 40 cartons of orange juice. CBSA officers seized the cocaine and contacted the RCMP Federal Operations in Halifax, who subsequently advised the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment about the drug shipment. GTA RCMP conducted a local investigation in order to identify the individuals responsible for illegally importing the liquid cocaine.

On November 26, 2015 RCMP investigators arrested and charged the following individuals with offences relating to this investigation:

1.        Norris WILLIAMS (male) (46) of Whitby

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Controlled Drugs and Substance Act)
• Importing drugs into Canada (Controlled Drugs and Substance Act);
• Conspiracy (Criminal Code)
  WILLIAMS appeared in Brampton court on November 30th and was subsequently released. He is to appear at Brampton Court on January 22nd, 2016.

2.        Lincoln STRACHAN (male) (46) of Mississauga

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Controlled Drugs and Substance Act)
• Importing drugs into Canada (Controlled Drugs and Substance Act);
• Conspiracy (Criminal Code)
  STRACHAN appeared in Brampton court on November 30th and was granted bail on December 3rd. His next court appearance is January 22nd, 2016 at Brampton court.

The RCMP and CBSA would like to acknowledge the assistance of Peel Regional Police 12th Division "H" Platoon during this investigation.

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.  You can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), at any time.

Quick Facts

• 44 litres of liquid cocaine can possibly be converted into approximately 24 kg of powdered cocaine.

Quotes

"This seizure is an excellent example of the CBSA's commitment to working with its partners to keep illicit drugs off our streets. I am proud of our officers who work tirelessly to ensure our borders are safe and not used for illegal activities." Calvin Christiansen, Regional Director General of CBSA Atlantic Region.

"The RCMP is determined to combat organized crime by arresting criminals who are involved in smuggling illegal drugs into Canada. The result of this investigation demonstrates how the RCMP and its partners work effectively together to ensure the safety and security of Canadians." Superintendent Keith FINN, Officer in Charge of GTA RCMP Serious and Organized Crime.

Associated Links

Border Watch Toll-free Line

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further information: Contacts: RCMP Media Relations, Sgt. Penny Hermann, "O" Division (Ontario), Telephone: [phone]; Follow us on Twitter (@RCMPONT), join us on Facebook (RCMP.Ontario) or visit our YouTube channel (RCMPGRCPOLICE); CBSA Media Relations, Atlantic Region, Telephone: [phone], Follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel