Prosecutions and Seizures

Quebec Region

CBSA seizes 300 kilos of marijuana hidden under a ship's hull in Saguenay

Saguenay, Quebec, August 27, 2009 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it seized 300 kilos of marijuana hidden under the hull of a ship docked at the port of Saguenay on August 25, 2009. The drugs were found in seven metal cylinders attached to the sea chest area below the water line of the vessel. This is the most important seizure of drugs hidden under the hull of a ship in Quebec.

Officers from the CBSA's Flexible Response Team discovered the contraband using a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) that examines the hull of ships. The ROV revealed an anomaly around the hull that warranted further investigation. Since only divers could reach that section of the hull, the CBSA requested the assistance of divers from the Sûreté du Québec to identify and retrieve the cylinders.

“I congratulate the outstanding work of CBSA officers in keeping 300 kilos of illegal drugs off our streets,” said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. “The drug trade is the foundation of organized crime in our communities and that is why this government committed $102 million over five years under the National Anti-Drug Strategy to give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to achieve results. We also continue to introduce much-needed legislation to strengthen the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in this area. This seizure sends a strong message that the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.”

The vessel, which was flying the Hong Kong flag, was arriving from Jamaica and carrying bulk cargo. The seized goods were handed over to the RCMP for investigation.

In 2008-2009, the CBSA made 8,583 narcotic seizures that had a total value of almost $440 million. Of this total, over $17.3 million worth of drugs was intercepted by CBSA officers in the marine mode.

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Pictures available upon request.

For media information:

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
514-350-6130