HAMILTON, ON, July 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment Serious & Organized Crime Section in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and British National Crime Agency have disrupted a criminal organization importing harmful opioids in Canada.
On June 22, 2017, British Authorities in London England intercepted a package from Kenya, destined for Hamilton, Ontario. During inspection of the package, 734 grams of a substance suspected to be heroin was found secreted in the package. The estimated street value of the heroin is approximately $146,000. The RCMP and the CBSA were subsequently alerted and an investigation ensued which led to the execution of two search warrants at residences in Hamilton and Simcoe, ON.
As a result of this investigation one subject from the Toronto area has been charged however the investigation is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.
Okeke OBI, a Nigerian citizen, 40 yrs of age was charged with importing a controlled substance contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. OBI is presently subject of an arrest warrant and being sought by the RCMP.
"Preventing the illegal importation of heroin and other illicit opioids continues to be a priority for the RCMP," stated Staff Sergeant Lucio De Simone, Acting Officer in Charge of the Hamilton-Niagara RCMP Detachment, "This is an excellent example of the positive results achieved through ongoing cooperation between the RCMP, the CBSA and our international partners. The RCMP is committed to keeping Canadians and Canadian Communities safe by preventing the importation of dangerous substances into Canada."
"CBSA officers are always on the lookout for contraband," stated Norm Sheridan, Acting Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region at the Canada Border Services Agency. "This arrest was a collaborative effort with the RCMP and our international partners. It demonstrates our commitment to Canadians to intercept illegal narcotics and prevent them from hitting the streets of our communities."
The RCMP would like to thank the Ontario Provincial Police for their assistance with this investigation.
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.
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sgt Penny Hermann, RCMP Media Relations, 905-876-9571 office, 416-992-4409 cell phone; Communications, Greater Toronto Area Region, Canada Border Services Agency, Phone: 905 803 2800, Email: [email protected]
Share this article