Border Agents Seize $11 Million Worth of Cocaine, Leading to Charges Being Laid
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that two men have been charged after officers in Ontario seized over $11 million worth of cocaine being shipped into the country.
The seizure is part of Operation Blizzard, a collaborative effort between the CBSA and RCMP to prevent drugs from entering the U.S. border. This operation is in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Canada to take action against the flow of fentanyl into the United States, which was one of the reasons behind the proposed tariffs on Canada.
CBSA mentioned that the seizures took place at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Ontario.
The intercepted shipments were inbound from the United States, as per CBSA.
During the search of a commercial truck from the United States on Feb. 27, border officers discovered four duffle bags containing around 86 kilograms of suspected cocaine, valued at $2.3 million.
Pawandeep Dhillon, 34, from Innisfil, Ontario, has been charged by the RCMP with importing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
CBSA reported that another tractor-trailer from the United States was searched on March 6, leading to the discovery of 333 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of $9 million.
Ravinderbir Singh, 23, from Brampton, has been charged with importing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Both cases are currently ongoing in court, as stated by the CBSA.
Cocaine Caught at Coutts
Recently, border agents intercepted cocaine being smuggled into Canada from the United States at the Coutts border in Alberta.
4 Charged
CBSA warns that ketamine is a dangerous anesthetic that has been used in sexual assaults. The drug, which is odorless and colorless, is typically used as a medical anesthetic but is also illegally sold.
Between Feb. 18 and March 3, border officers discovered 154 kilograms of ketamine inside the suspects’ bags at Toronto Pearson International Airport, with an estimated street value of $4.6 million.
Alison Louise Olmes, 63, is accused of smuggling 30.8 kilograms of ketamine, while Courtney Linda Johanne Desbois, 27, attempted to bring 31.8 kilograms of the drug into Canada. Lamia Hamici, 40, tried to smuggle 60 kilograms of ketamine, and Britney Carolyn Allen, 32, attempted to bring 30.95 kilograms into the country. All four individuals are facing charges of importing a controlled substance.