Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have announced the seizure of approximately $1.25 million worth of methamphetamines at the Vancouver International Airport.
The initial discovery was made on July 27, when CBSA officers and a detector dog found 10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in false-sided compartments of two suitcases, involving a Canadian citizen.
Two days later, another Canadian citizen had 14.84 kilograms of the drug concealed in their suitcase. CBSA officers located the methamphetamine in four vacuum-sealed packages wrapped in clothing during a routine examination of the traveller’s belongings.
Nina Patel, the regional director general for CBSA’s Pacific region, stated, “Our agency is committed to combating the smuggling of illegal drugs at our borders and disrupting criminal networks.”
“These seizures highlight the vigilance and detection capabilities of our border services officers and the crucial role of our intelligence operations in intercepting illegal and harmful substances,” Patel added.
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The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emphasized the successful collaboration between CBSA and RCMP in these operations.
Both individuals involved in the drug smuggling attempts were apprehended by the RCMP and are currently in custody, with investigations ongoing. The RCMP is anticipated to lay multiple criminal charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, as per CBSA statements.
These arrests follow the recent case of a 79-year-old man from British Columbia caught with 2.96 kilograms of methamphetamine at the Vancouver International Airport.
Horvath admitted to being “wilfully blind” to the drugs found in the suitcase he was carrying.
After pleading guilty, the court acknowledged his remorse for the crime, stating, “Unfortunately [he] had to spend four months at Surrey Pretrial before his judicial interim release could be sorted out. Mr. Horvath has, through his counsel, expressed remorse for his actions.”
