TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today that a seizure of over 50 kg of cocaine at the Port of Halifax, and destined for Ontario, has resulted in two arrests.
On August 12, 2013, CBSA officers noted anomalies in X-ray images while examining a marine container containing a shipment of tire changers and balancers from Panama. After further examination officers located and seized 40 bricks of hidden cocaine totalling approximately 53.5 kilograms.
The narcotics were turned over to the National Ports Enforcement Team (NPET) which is comprised of the CBSA, RCMP and Halifax Regional Police for further investigation.
"This significant seizure demonstrates the excellent work of our border services officers," said Andrew LeFrank, Regional Director General, CBSA Atlantic Region. "It also illustrates that working together with the RCMP and municipal police forces in an integrated law enforcement approach is the most effective way of preventing illegal drugs from entering Canada and getting on our streets."
On August 25, 2013, members of the RCMP conducted an operation in the Vaughan area of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) which resulted in two arrests. Three search warrants were also executed as part of this ongoing investigation. The following people have been charged:
Richard AVANES (42 years) and Salvatore FORMUSA (57 years) both of Toronto, Ontario, have been charged with Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.
"This is an excellent collaborative effort between Canada's law enforcement agencies to stop harmful drugs from reaching the streets of our communities," said Superintendent Rick Penney, Operations Officer of the RCMP GTA Serious and Organized Crime Team. "Each and every arrest, investigation and seizure sends a message and makes a difference."
The CBSA and RCMP strive to ensure that Canada's borders are not used for illegal activities and work closely with other law enforcement partners to prevent drugs and other contraband from entering Canada.
If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident involving suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.
SOURCE: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
For media information:
CBSA Atlantic Region Communications
902-426-0900
Twitter: @CanBorder
Facebook: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder
RCMP "O" Division (Ontario)
416-992-4409
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
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