CFSEU Arrest 7 Individuals for Transporting Drugs to the U.S. by Aircraft

TORONTO , Dec. 17 /CNW/ - Following a lengthy investigation, the RCMP led Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU GTA) which includes officers from the RCMP, Toronto Police Service, Peel Regional Police, York Regional Police, Durham Regional Police and OPP with the assistance of Halton Regional Police, Canada Border Services Agency and U.S Law Enforcements Agencies arrested 7 individuals for their involvement in a group that was transporting large amounts of ecstasy and marihuana from the GTA area to the United States .

This investigation revealed that the group utilized small aircraft to make several flights from Canada to Michigan, U.S. delivering large amounts of ecstasy and marihuana to many small airfields in the area.

During one flight in November of 2009, the group is alleged to have delivered approximately 100 pounds of marihuana and 300 pounds of ecstasy by aircraft to Sandusky, Michigan. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency in Detroit arrested two individuals in Sandusky, Michigan, while in the process of picking up the drugs after they were delivered.

Charged with Exporting Marihuana and Ecstasy are Vullnet Zeneli, Shawn LeCours, Edon Shabani, Gezim Prifti of Richmond Hill, Jeffrey Lee , Arben Krasnica of Toronto and Arben Pepa of Oakville.

Canada and the U.S. law enforcement recognize that the trafficking of drugs across our borders is a shared problem, with illicit smuggling going both ways. Success in intelligence-led policing depends on our willingness to work with law enforcement, security agencies, colleagues in the criminal justice system and other stakeholders in the United States .

"This investigation is a prime example of the manner in which police agencies within Canada and the United States work together to combat organize crime involved in the cross border drug trade," stated Superintendent Mark Fleming of CFSEU GTA.

The investigation continues and additional charges may be pending.

For further information: Sgt. Cathy Nenadovic, CFSEU GTA, Office: [phone]; Marc LaPorte, Sgt RCMP "O" Division (Ontario), Media Relations, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]