Release:
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and its law enforcement partners are committed to keeping harmful substances out of communities and disrupting organized crime.
In early March 2024, more than 1.5 tonnes of suspected cocaine was seized by CBSA border services officers at the Container Examination Facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia (NS). The seizure has been valued at approximately $194 million.
The success of this operation can be attributed to effective collaboration between CBSA Atlantic’s Operations and Intelligence Divisions, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Halifax, NS, and the United States’ (U.S.) Homeland Security Investigations.
CBSA and its law enforcement partners acted quickly and methodically on this case. The operation began March 4, 2024, when the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations flagged the possibility of contraband within a marine shipping container originating from California and destined for Europe. From there, CBSA Intelligence began tracking the container of interest as it made its way to Canada.
On March 6, the shipping container was examined at the Port of Halifax, NS. Border services officers conducted an in-depth search, leading to the seizure of 1556 kilograms of cocaine found concealed inside the container.
All evidence was turned over to the RCMP for further investigation.
Quotes
“The Canada Border Services Agency works closely with law enforcement partners in Canada and abroad to share intelligence and seize harmful drugs. Thanks to the quick and decisive action of our CBSA officers and our law enforcement partners, 1.5 tonnes of cocaine was kept out of communities. This is another great example of our ongoing partnership to keep our communities safe and disrupt organized crime and drug trafficking.”
Julie Brock, Acting Director of Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division, Atlantic Region, Canada Border Services Agency
“We work with the CBSA to maintain vigilance at our borders and to keep these types of products out of Canada. Together with many foreign partners, our well-established international surveillance system develops the best intelligence to prevent harmful products from entering our country and others. The effort to combat transnational organized crime is significant, and the RCMP is fully committed to it.”
Superintendent Jason Popik, Federal Policing Criminal Operations Officer, Nova Scotia RCMP
Quick facts
Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals this may mean removal from Canada, and a ban on returning to Canada.
For the latest narcotics and enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 or submit a tip online.
Via CBSA
