Image: Supplied by CBSA / The CBSA and its law enforcement partners announced Friday (Dec. 16) that it has seized nearly 2,500 kilograms of opium that were bound for distribution throughout Canada.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Border drug seizure

Canada border guards, RCMP intercept highest amount of opium in CBSA history

Dec 16, 2022 | 3:08 PM

VANCOUVER — The Canada Border Services Agency and its law enforcement partners act as the last line of defence before toxic, illegal drugs hit the streets of B.C. and the rest of Canada.

On Friday (Dec. 16), they announced their biggest opium seizure to date when it intercepted nearly 2,500 kilograms of opium in Vancouver.

In September 2022, the CBSA Intelligence Sections and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) unit initiated an investigation into a potential significant importation of controlled substances concealed inside marine containers, a news release Friday pointed out.

On October 25, the CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations conducted an examination of goods within 19 marine containers based on this investigation. Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, including X-ray technology, officers discovered irregularities in the shipping pallets as part of a deep concealment method. Further physical examination confirmed approximately 2,486 kilograms of opium within 247 shipping pallets.

The drugs seized were turned over to the RCMP FSOC unit for further criminal investigation.

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“Committed to protecting Canadians from the most serious criminal threats, B.C. RCMP Federal Policing works closely with our domestic and international partners in combating organized crime. Being jointly responsible for protecting Canada’s border, today’s announcement is a clear demonstration of our dedication to keeping illicit drugs from entering our communities, through our enduring partnership, and ongoing collaboration with the CBSA, at home, and abroad,” said Will Ng, Assistant Commissioner, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The CBSA says that its Intelligence Section plays a key role in the identification of border-related risks and in protecting the safety and security of Canadians. Intelligence activities are conducted to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals and entities that are of interest to the CBSA in connection to organized crime, drug smuggling, and other violations of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations plays an important role in facilitating the free flow of legitimate trade in the Pacific Region. The Metro Vancouver Marine Operations includes the largest marine port in Canada. Border services officers are highly trained in examination and investigative techniques to intercept prohibited goods and illicit drugs from entering Canada. The CBSA and the RCMP work together to prevent illegal drug smuggling that endangers the safety of Canadian communities and generates profits for organized crime.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Canada border guards, RCMP intercept highest amount of opium in CBSA history

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