TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - A joint investigation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), US Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in the seizure of approximately 957 grams of heroin leading to the arrest of one Toronto resident.
This investigation commenced on September 4th 2014, when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Northern Kentucky (USA) intercepted a package containing clothing and several sparring paddles that originated from Pakistan. Upon further examination of this package, CBP officers discovered approximately 957 grams of heroin concealed within the sparring paddles. CBP contacted HSI to initiate an international smuggling investigation.
As this shipment was destined for Toronto, HSI Special Agents in consultation with HSI Toronto Special Agents contacted the RCMP's GTA Serious and Organized Crime Unit. On September 7th the package was transported to Hamilton, Ontario where it was seized by CBSA officers and turned over to the RCMP. 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 September 10, 2014, RCMP conducted further investigation which resulted in the arrest of a male in Toronto
"There has been increased intelligence-sharing and investigative cooperation between Canada and the United States, which is recognized as having contributed to greater success in seizing illicit drugs crossing our shared border and apprehending those that traffic in them," stated Inspector Dean Dickson, Team Commander RCMP Toronto Airport Serious & Organized Crime Section.
The RCMP charged the following individual with offences relating to this investigation:
- Jacob Koblah MENSAH (50) of Toronto
Charges are:
- 6(1) importing drugs into Canada,
- 5(2) and possession for the purpose of trafficking,
- 365(1) conspiracy
More charges are pending further investigations.
On September 12, 2014 MENSAH was release on bail, next court scheduled for October 10, 2014. This investigation is ongoing and may result in further arrests and charges.
The RCPM would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Toronto Police Service (TPS), Peel Regional Police (PRP) and York Regional Police (YRP) for their assistance in this investigation.
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Sgt. George Johnson
Serious & Organized Crime
Toronto Airport Detachment
RCMP "O" Division
905-676-4505
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
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