TORONTO, June 26, 2014 /CNW/ - A joint investigation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in the seizure of approximately 22.4 kilograms of heroin, false ID and cash leading to the arrest of four Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents
This investigation commenced when CBSA officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport inspected a shipment containing various carpets that originated from Pakistan. Upon further examination of this shipment, CBSA officers discovered approximately 20 kilograms of heroin concealed in several strings and woven within the weave of 4 area carpets. CBSA officers contacted the RCMP's GTA Serious and Organized Crime Unit. The RCMP, along with our partnered agencies, conducted a local investigation in order to identify the individuals responsible for attempting to import the heroin into Canada.
On June 20, 2014, RCMP investigators attended at a commercial business establishment in the area of Queen Elizabeth Blvd. and Taymall Avenue in Toronto, and arrested three male suspects. A forth male suspect was also arrested at a residence in Toronto. Further investigation led the RCMP to execute several successful search warrants in Toronto, Mississauga, for residential addresses and one motor vehicle.
"Illegal drugs being smuggled into Canada is another activity lead by organized crime. The RCMP is committed to bring to justice anyone involved in illegal activities," said Inspector Dean Dickson, Team Commander at the RCMP's Toronto Airport Detachment for the GTA Serious & Organized Crime Section. "The results of this investigation demonstrate how the RCMP and its partnered agencies work effectively together to keep illegal drugs out of our communities."
"Criminal organizations often utilize major airports and gateways to facilitate the entry of illegal commodities into the country," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the GTA Region. "Our officers are expertly trained to intercept narcotics, even when the most unusual concealment methods are used. I want to congratulate all the dedicated officers and to thank our partners."
The RCMP charged the following individuals with offences relating to this investigation:
Charges are:
More charges are pending further investigations.
All accused remain in custody and are scheduled to make appearances at Brampton Provincial Courthouse at 7755 Hurontario Street. This investigation is ongoing and may result in further arrests and charges.
The RCMP would like to acknowledge the assistance of CBSA, Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police during this investigation.
Law enforcement agencies work hard to make our communities a safer place to live however, your assistance in staying vigilant and informing us of any suspicious activities will help us in being even more successful. You can contact your local police, the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 at any time.
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Image with caption: "Four area carpets that concealed heroin (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mounted Police)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140626_C8929_PHOTO_EN_41764.jpg
Image with caption: "String, woven within the weave of the area carpet (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Mounted Police)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140626_C8929_PHOTO_EN_41766.jpg
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
For media inquiries contact:
Staff Sgt. Richard Woo
Toronto Airport Detachment
905-405-3750 (361)
Ontario RCMP Media Relations
416-992-4409
CBSA Media Relations
GTA Region
905-803-2800
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