CBSA officers at the Montréal Mail Processing Centre seize 25 kilograms of opium

MONTREAL, July 12, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today three seizures totalling 25 kilograms of opium at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre in Montréal. These significant seizures have led to the arrest of an individual in Burnaby (British Columbia) by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

On June 12 and June 19, 2012, the X-ray examination of packages from Turkey showed that a substance had been hidden inside the goods contained in the shipment. Using a drill, officers were able to extract a brownish substance:  opium. The drug had been carefully hidden inside automobile shock absorbers.

"This arrest sends a clear message that the importation of illicit drugs across our border will not be tolerated," said Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director, Quebec Region. "The CBSA works closely with the RCMP to prevent drug trafficking and stop these drugs from reaching our communities."

The seizure is a result of CBSA officers' vigilance and expertise when conducting in-depth examinations of parcels.

The drug was handed over to the RCMP who proceeded with an investigation.

During the 2011-2012 fiscal year, CBSA officers at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre in Montréal made 1,645 drug seizures.

Photos available upon request.

CBSA Media Relations, Quebec Region
Telephone: [phone]

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