Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara–Fort Erie Region

CBSA seizes over $38,500 worth of suspected cocaine at Peace Bridge

Fort Erie, Ontario, August 20, 2010 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers working at the Peace Bridge seized over 350 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of over $38,500.

On August 16, 2010, a 44-year old resident of Toronto seeking re-entry to Canada presented himself at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry. The man, who had been travelling on a bus from Albany, New York, was referred for further examination. During this examination, CBSA officers discovered suspected cocaine pellets concealed between the individual's legs, under multiple layers of clothing. The subject was taken into custody by the RCMP and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The CBSA is committed to preventing illegal drugs and contraband from entering Canada. Last year, CBSA officers in the Niagara–Fort Erie Region made over 540 drug seizures, keeping over 320 kilos of drugs with an estimated street value of $30.8 million off Canadian streets. The largest-ever cocaine seizure in the Niagara–Fort Erie Region occurred in July 2009 at the Peace Bridge when officers seized 20 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of $2.7 million. Since the beginning of 2010, CBSA officers at the Peace Bridge have seized a total of 650 kilos of drugs with an estimated street value of $5.5 million.

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For more information, please contact:

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