Over 50 Kilos of Marihuana Seized and Two Charged by Cornwall RCMP Detachment

SOUTH GLENGARRY, ON, Oct. 2 /CNW/ - William Stricklin , a 36 year old male from Ste-Agnes-de-Dundee, Quebec and Heidi Pena-Rivera, a 29 year old female from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec were both arrested and charged by the Cornwall RCMP Detachment for possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking under authority of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act after officers stopped a 2002 Chevrolet Impala and seized three hockey bags of marihuana.

Officers from the Cornwall RCMP Detachment observed suspicious behaviour of the occupants inside a 2002 Chevrolet Impala on County Road 2 in South Glengarry, Ontario. RCMP officers stopped the vehicle near Fraser Road. The driver and passenger indicated to the officer that they were hunters and looking for a location to hunt. Further investigation revealed that Heidi Pena-Rivera had an outstanding warrant for assaulting a peace officer by Montreal Community Police Service.

When Pena-Rivera was placed under arrest, officers detected a strong odour of marihuana inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed three hockey bags containing a large quantity of marihuana. The driver, William Stricklin and Heidi Pena-Rivera were both arrested. RCMP officers seized over 50 kilograms of marihauna that was packed in 113 individual re-sealable bags inside the hockey bags. Both were kept in custody for a bail hearing today at the Cornwall court.

"We believe that the marihuana was to be smuggled to the United States ," said Sgt. Michael Harvey from the RCMP. "Organized crime groups take advantage of the geography of our region and our presence on the border is imperative to disrupt these groups and to ensure public safety."

Pictures of this seizure are available upon request.

For further information: Sgt. Michael Harvey, RCMP Cornwall Detachment, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], E-Mail: [email protected]