Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara–Fort Erie Region

Over $832,000 worth of cocaine seized at Rainbow Bridge

Niagara Falls, Ontario, July 29, 2009 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Rainbow Bridge seized 6.6 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated street value of over $832,000.

On July 24, 2009, during the examination of a vehicle coming from the United States, CBSA officers discovered two pieces of suspicious luggage. Using various detection tools, including an X-ray machine, they found seven packages of cocaine that were duct-taped and concealed within the linings of the bags. A spring-loaded baton was also seized.

CBSA officers arrested the 22-year-old driver of the vehicle, a resident of New York State, and his 23-year-old female passenger from New Jersey. Both subjects have been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for possession for the purpose of trafficking and for importation of a controlled substance.

CBSA officers work to keep illegal drugs and contraband from entering Canada. Last year, CBSA officers in the Niagara–Fort Erie region made over 500 drug seizures, keeping over 270 kilos of drugs off Canadian streets. This seizure occurred less than four weeks after the largest cocaine seizure in the Niagara–Fort Erie region at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.

The RCMP and the CBSA are continuing to investigate the matter.

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For media information:

Jean D’Amelio Swyer
Manager, Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463
Jean.DAmelioSwyer@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca