MONTREAL, Feb. 7, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers have seized 244 kg of suspected cocaine at the Port of Montréal. The narcotics were found on January 30, hidden in a container on a ship coming from Paraguay. Acting on information received by international authorities, the CBSA conducted exhaustive research that led to the container's identification.
The declared goods were scrap metal. However, an X-ray inspection using mobile HCV-M detection technology showed the presence of a dense mass at the back of the container. When the contents were searched, border services officers discovered 16 metal boxes holding 244 kg of suspected cocaine.
The narcotics were turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation.
Quick facts
- The seizure was made possible thanks to the work of the CBSA Intelligence Unit, which performed intensive research that led to container being targeted.
- This seizure took many days and required the deployment of substantial resources by the Marine and Rail Services, Quebec Region.
- The seizure was performed in collaboration with the RCMP's National Port Enforcement Team and the Laval Police Service.
- This is the third largest suspected-cocaine seizure in the past 12 months at the Port of Montréal.
- In 2013, border services officers from across Canada performed 9,443 narcotics seizures. Of that number, 323 were cocaine seizures totalling 1,145 kg.
Quote
"This seizure of a huge quantity of drugs is the result of the CBSA's expertise, along with that of our local, national and international partners. It shows that the CBSA has a key role to play in crime prevention in Canada and that our officers are always vigilant and ready to intercept illicit substances."
- Benoît Chiquette, Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region
Related links
Photos available upon request.
SOURCE: Canada Border Services Agency
Media Relations, Quebec Region
Canada Border Services Agency
514-350-6130
[email protected]
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