RCMP Arrest Canadian Cocaine Recruiter

BOWMANVILLE, ON, Sept. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - On September 17^th, 2014, as a result of a 9 month long investigation; the RCMP arrested Sami MEDIOUNI, 35 years old of Toronto for Exporting a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to commit drug related offences.

In November, 2013, the RCMP investigated a criminal group that utilized Canadian travelers to export cocaine into the United Kingdom. On November 7^th, 2013, the RCMP arrested Jacqueline SIMONE, 24 years old when they intercepted 9 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her suitcase.

The RCMP alleges that Sami MEDIOUNI was an active recruiter of drug smugglers and was responsible for recruiting and introducing Jacqueline SIMONE into an international drug smuggling scheme.

"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."

Sami MEDIOUNI has been charged with the following:

• Importing a Controlled Substance, contrary to Sec. 6 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. 

• Conspiracy, contrary to Sec. 465 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Sami MEDIOUNI's next court appearance has been set for September 25, 2014 in Brampton Court.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

For further inquiries:
Cpl. Michelle Welsh,
Acting RCMP Media Relations officer
RCMP "O" Division
905-953-7273

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/index-eng.htm

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