Two GTA Men Arrested for Importing 95 kilograms of Ketamine

TORONTO, July 16, 2012 /CNW/ - As the result of an investigation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have arrested and charged two GTA residents for allegedly importing 95 kilograms of Ketamine into Canada.

The investigation commenced in early July when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in the Port of Montreal discovered 95 kilograms of Ketamine hidden inside a shipping container which also contained various food items.  The shipment was turned over to the Montreal RCMP National Port Enforcement Team (NPET) for further investigation.  As the shipment was destined for the GTA, the RCMP GTA Drug Section continued with the investigation in the Toronto area.

On July 12, 2012, the RCMP GTA Drug Section arrested two men in a Brampton parking lot in relation to this investigation. On July 13, 2012, both men were charged and brought before the courts in Brampton. After each posting a $50,000 surety, the two men were released from custody and are scheduled to next appear on July 27, 2012 at 0930 hrs.

Charged are:

• Ravi Chopra, a 58 year old Mississauga resident
• Kanwar Baljit Singh Salwan, a 45 year old Brampton resident

Ketamine, as an illicit drug, it is referred to as 'special K' or 'K' and is very dangerous. If injected it can produce rapid loss of consciousness as well as intense and terrifying hallucinations and 'out of body' experiences. There is an increasing trend where Ketamine is being used as an additive to already dangerous drugs such as Methamphetamine or other harmful synthetic 'designer drugs'.

Depending on the intended use, this amount of Ketamine is capable of producing up to 3,000,000 doses. If the shipment was not intercepted, it could have had a significant negative impact on the communities in the GTA and across Ontario.

"We will continue our fight to prevent these harmful drugs from entering our communities and bring those responsible to justice," said S/Sgt Glen Stefureak of the GTA Drug Section.

"One of the CBSA's priorities is to ensure that contraband, such as weapons and narcotics do not enter Canada. The CBSA works closely with its law-enforcement partners to ensure that Canadians are protected from illicit drugs," said Alain Surprenant, Chief of Operations of the CBSA's Montreal Marine and Rail Service.

Anyone with information regarding this incident and or any other illegal activity is encouraged to contact your local police, your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For further information and photos contact:

Sgt. Richard Rollings
RCMP Media Relations
[phone]
Visit: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/news-nouvelles/index-eng.htm

CBSA Media Relations (Quebec Region)
[phone]