Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara–Fort Erie Region

Over $20 million worth of cocaine seized at Peace Bridge

Fort Erie, Ontario, July 31, 2009 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers seized 167 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated street value of over $20,875,000 at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie. This is the largest cocaine seizure made this year by the CBSA.

CBSA officers intercepted the contraband drugs on July 28, 2009, after a 23-year-old truck driver from Niagara Falls, Ontario, was referred for a secondary examination. During the offload examination of the truck's cargo, CBSA officers discovered packages of cocaine in four suitcases and one duffle bag. A narcotics identification kit test was administered and the contents of the packages tested positive for cocaine.

The Canadian truck driver was arrested and charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with importation of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. RCMP and CBSA investigations are ongoing.

"I commend the continued and ongoing successful fight of CBSA officers. This specific one represents the largest-ever cocaine seizure in the Niagara–Fort Erie Region," said Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan. "Preventing approximately 167 kilos of cocaine from reaching our streets and our communities sends a strong message that this government is serious about cracking down on guns, drugs and gangs."

CBSA officers work to keep illegal drugs and contraband from entering Canada. In the last four weeks, CBSA officers in the Niagara-Fort Erie region have seized over 196 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated street value of over $24 million. This year to date, CBSA officers in the Niagara–Fort Erie region have made 283 drug seizures, preventing almost 200 kilos of drugs from reaching Canadian streets.

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For media information:

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Manager, Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463
Jean.DAmelioSwyer@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca