Large Shipment of Ketamine Seized

TORONTO, May 27 /CNW/ - The RCMP Greater Toronto Drug Section in a joint investigation with Canada Border Services Agency have charged two Toronto area men for their role in smuggling Ketamine into Canada through the Port of Vancouver.

On May 3rd, 2010 officers with the Canada Border Services Agency in Vancouver intercepted an incoming sea container destined for the Toronto area with 352 kilograms of Ketamine concealed among its cargo. The investigation was turned over to the RCMP's Greater Vancouver Drug Section. The shipment was allowed to continue to Toronto.

On May 26, 2010, as a result of the joint investigation, James Dong KIM (39 yrs) and Chung Wei LEE (32 yrs) both of Thornhill were arrested after they unloaded the container with the Ketamine. Both are facing charges of Importing Ketamine, Possession of Ketamine for the Purpose of Trafficking and Conspiracy to Import.

Ketamine is manufactured legally as a veterinary drug. Its street name is "Special K" or "K" and is used as an illicit drug that can produce hallucinations, euphoria, "out of body" experiences. It has also been used in the past by offenders as a "date rape' drug. This amount of Ketamine is capable of producing an estimated one million dosages and if the shipment was not intercepted, it could have had a significant impact on the GTA communities.

"The RCMP Drug Program continues to work with our partners to identify, investigate, disrupt and dismantle international drug trafficking organizations that are having the most significant impact on our communities" stated Supt. Rick Penney, the officer in charge of the RCMP Greater Toronto Area Drug Enforcement Unit.

Both accused are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing at Old City Hall on May 27, 2010.

For further information: Sgt. Marc LaPorte, RCMP "O" Division (Ontario), Media Relations, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], E-mail : [email protected]