CBSA seizure of 89 bricks of suspected cocaine leads to RCMP charges

POINT EDWARD, ON, Feb. 1, 2023 /CNW/ - On December 11, 2022, a commercial truck entered Canada at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario, and was referred for a secondary examination. During the inspection of the trailer, border services officers discovered 89 bricks of suspected cocaine, weighing approximately 100 kg.

The CBSA arrested the driver and passenger and seized the suspected narcotics. The RCMP took custody of the subjects and the evidence and have formally charged Vikram Dutta, 44, and Gurinder Singh, 61, both of Brampton, Ontario, with:

• Importation of cocaine, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The matter is currently before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia, Ontario.

Quotes

"The safety and security of Canadians is our government's top priority. I want to thank the dedicated CBSA and RCMP officers for their excellent work in stopping dangerous narcotics from coming into the country. I had the opportunity to see these efforts first hand during my visit to the Blue Water Bridge last month, and I look forward to see the difference they continue to make in keeping our communities safe." The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

"Our partnership with the CBSA is providing effective results. Together, we stand firm to protect our communities from harmful drugs crossing our borders." Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, Officer in Charge, RCMP Border Integrity Program, O Division

"This seizure is a testament to the strength of collaboration between the CBSA and the RCMP, and is an excellent example of both agencies working together to protect our communities."  An Nguyen, Director, St.Clair District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick Facts

• Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
• Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals this may mean removal from Canada, and a ban on returning to Canada.
• For the latest narcotics statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

Website:  RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
Instagram: rcmpOntario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE 

Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Twitter:  @CanBorderSOR
Facebook: CanBorder
Instagram: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Royal Canadian Mounted Police, O Division, media.relations.rcmp-Ontario-relations.medias.grc@; Canada Border Services Agency, [email protected], 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500