RCMP and UK's National Crime Agency Collaborate to Make Further Arrests in International Cocaine Smuggling Ring

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - A joint investigation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and United Kingdom's National Crime Agency (NCA) has resulted in the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved with a multinational organized crime group actively engaged in the trafficking of large amounts of cocaine via Canada to the United Kingdom (UK).

This joint investigation into large scale trafficking of cocaine into the UK from Canada was undertaken by the RCMP and the NCA in 2011. It led to the identification of a UK Coordinator, known as Nickesha Campbell. A search of her home by British authorities revealed 18 kg of cocaine, in excess of £500,000 cash, and records detailing the importation of 138 kg over an eight-week period between November 2011 and January 2012. The drugs were imported on flights into Heathrow from Toronto by Canadian couriers each carrying 8 - 16 kg of cocaine. It is alleged that the couriers were recruited by a Canadian male known as "Biggz".

On November 7, 2013, the RCMP's GTA Serious and Organized Crime -Toronto East investigators identified a Canadian female courier destined to travel from Toronto Pearson International Airport to London Heathrow. The RCMP intercepted her luggage prior to her departure and found 9 kg of packaged cocaine concealed within the suitcases contents. Both the female courier and a male known as "Biggz", who allegedly facilitated the Canadian couriers, were arrested. These arrests have directly resulted in the disruption of this criminal organization in Canada and internationally. For a photo related to this seizure visit the Ontario RCMP Newsroom.

"The work of these organized crime groups leads to the destruction of people's lives, tears apart families and makes our communities less safe," said Superintendent Keith Finn, the Officer in Charge of the RCMP's GTA Serious and Organized Crime units. "We will continue to work diligently with our local, national and international partners to combat organized crime in all its forms. The RCMP would like to thank the United Kingdom's National Crime Agency for their partnership in this investigation."

Brendan Foreman, Regional Head of investigation for the NCA, commented: "Organised crime is international by its very nature and it is only through close partnership with law enforcement colleagues around the world that we can achieve a lasting impact on the groups involved. This operation with our colleagues in the RCMP is an excellent example of the success achieved through such partnerships. Together we have dismantled a criminal network supplying the UK and have helped protect communities in both countries from the harm caused by drugs and drug trafficking. We will continue to support our colleagues in the RCMP to prosecute these individuals and make sure they are deprived of their criminal assets."

Jacqueline Antoinette SIMONE, 31 years old, of Ajax, Ontario, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Export Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) CDSA and Conspiracy to Export a Controlled Substance contrary to section 465 (1) of the Criminal Code.

Christopher Anthony BARRETT, 38 years old, of Ajax, Ontario, also known as "Biggz", has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) CDSA, Export Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) CDSA and Conspiracy to Export a Controlled Substance contrary to section 465 (1) of the Criminal Code.

SIMONE has been released on a recognizance and is scheduled to appear at Brampton Provincial Courthouse on December 13, 2013. BARRETT appeared on November 14, and remains in custody. To date, seven people in the United Kingdom have either pleaded or been found guilty in relation to this investigation.

The RCMP's Serious and Organized Crime units investigate major crime in partnership with local, national and international agencies in an effort to combat the expansion and development of organized crime.

The NCA is the United Kingdom's crime-fighting agency with national and international reach and the mandate and powers to work in partnership with other law enforcement organizations to bring the full weight of the law to bear in cutting serious and organized crime.

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SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Sgt. Richard Rollings,
RCMP Media Relations
"O" Division (Ontario)
416-992-4409

National Crime Agency
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United Kingdom 
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