TORONTO, Sept. 24, 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 1 kilogram of cocaine leading to the arrest of two Ajax residents.
This investigation commenced when CBSA officers at the International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga inspected a package containing a jar of fruit puree that originated from Trinidad & Tobago. Upon further examination of this package, CBSA officers discovered approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine concealed within the jar of puree fruit. 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 cocaine into Canada.
On September 16, RCMP conducted further investigation which resulted in an arrest of a female at an Ajax residence. A male suspect was arrested at a business establishment in Ajax. Subsequent investigation led the RCMP to execute a search warrant at a residential address in Ajax.
The RCMP charged the following individuals with offences relating to this investigation:
- Matessala Mandela MANNINGS (30) of Ajax;
- Tasha Theresa ROUSSEL (33) of Ajax.
Charges:
- 6(1) importing drugs into Canada,
- 5(2) and possession for the purpose of trafficking,
- 365(1) conspiracy
More charges are pending further investigations.
ROUSSEL was released on bail and MANNINGS remains in custody until the next court appearance scheduled for October 1, 2014. 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, Peel Regional Police and York Regional Police during this investigation.
Quotes
"Illicit drugs fuel organized crime, which is a serious public safety issue with significant costs to citizens and communities. The RCMP remains fully committed to enforcing laws against illicit drugs."
- Inspector Dean Dickson, Team Commander at the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment for the GTA Serious & Organized Crime Section
"This cocaine seizure is a testament to the astute officers who are trained to find contraband, no matter the concealment method. I commend the officers involved, as they continue to safeguard our ports of entry and keep dangerous drugs from reaching our communities. I also want thank the RCMP on the success of this investigation. This success is a credit to our great partnership."
- Goran Vragovic, CBSA Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region
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
CBSA Media Relations,
Greater Toronto Area Region
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 905-803-2800
Website: CBSA.GC.CA
Twitter: @CanBorder
Facebook: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder
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