Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara–Fort Erie Region

Canada Border Services Agency seizes 20 kilos of cocaine at the Peace Bridge

Fort Erie, Ontario, July 3, 2009 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized 20 kilos of cocaine with an estimated value of over $2.7 million at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.

CBSA officers intercepted the contraband drugs on June 27, 2009, when a 27-year-old truck driver from Brampton, Ontario, was referred for secondary examination. During an offload examination of the cargo, CBSA officers discovered the cocaine concealed in a shipment of parts for school buses. The cocaine was bundled in 20 brick-shaped packages hidden within two crates.

The truck driver was arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Investigations are ongoing.

“I want to congratulate the diligent work of the CBSA officers whose efforts resulted in the largest-ever cocaine seizure in Niagara–Fort Erie,” said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. “In having prevented the illegal smuggling of drugs at our border, these officers have helped make our streets and communities safer. This Government's message is clear — the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs will not be tolerated.”

Last year, CBSA officers in the Niagara–Fort Erie region made over 500 drug seizures, keeping over 270 kilos of drugs off Canadian streets.

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For media information:

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Manager, Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463