A few examples of unusual drug seizures made in postal packages since the beginning of 2015

MONTREAL, March 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - During the first months of 2015, Border Services Officers assigned to the inspection of international mail at the Montreal Léo-Blanchette mail processing centre uncovered many drug importation schemes. Here are a few examples where their vigilance was not circumvented:

1. On January 15, 140 grams of suspected cocaine were intercepted. They were hidden inside a horse-shaped statue. One individual was arrested in British Columbia.
2. On February 4, 362 grams of suspected opium from Turkey that appeared to be pieces of chocolate were intercepted: each piece was individually wrapped in candy wrapping.
3. On February 10, 40 seeds of suspected marijuana were intercepted. They were hidden in bags of fine gravel in a parcel from the Netherlands. The seeds were of the same size and appearance as the gravel.
4. On February 18, 137 grams of suspected amphetamines were seized. They had the appearance of a powdered strawberry drink mix in a parcel arriving from the Netherlands. Tests made at the CBSA's lab indicate that the substance contained amphetamine.
5. On February 18, 1.9 kilograms of suspected cocaine were found in parcel that contained handicrafted woven bags from Peru. The suspected drug was concealed in the sides of the bags.

All of the suspected drugs and narcotics were handed over to the Royal Canadian mounted police. Photos available upon request

Quick facts

• In 2014, the CBSA made a total of 1858 drug seizures in Quebec
  
  
• In 2014, the CBSA made 1242 drug seizures in Quebec in the postal mode.

Quote

"Smugglers use a variety of techniques to hide narcotics. Thanks to their training and experience, border services officers know how to foil the most subtle schemes."

- Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region

Related products

• Importing by Mail

SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency

Media Relations, CBSA, Quebec Region, 514-350-6130, [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter (@canborder ), like us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.