Prosecutions and Seizures

Niagara–Fort Erie Region

Multiple seizures at Hamilton International Airport

Hamilton, Ontario, December 20, 2010 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the seizure of 1.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, with an estimated street value of $419,000 at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

On December 12, CBSA officers were examining a courier shipment when an anomaly was discovered in the X-ray images. With the assistance of a CBSA detector dog team and a narcotics identification test, the officers confirmed the presence of suspected heroin concealed within the metal exhaust pipes contained in the shipment.

In two other significant seizures, CBSA officers at the Hamilton International Airport seized khat and contraband cigarettes.

Also on December 12, officers examined a courier shipment, which had been declared as shoes, but was found to contain four kilograms of khat valued at $2,000. Khat (Catha edulis) is the green leaf of a plant native to east Africa. When it is ingested, the active ingredients in khat (cathine and cathinone) produce a stimulant effect similar to that of an amphetamine. Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, it is illegal to import khat into Canada.

On December 15, officers seized 108 cartons of Chinese cigarettes valued at $2,700 in a courier shipment described as samples of men's clothing. Officers discovered the cigarettes concealed under multiple layers of packaging.

"All of these seizures are the result of the diligent work of CBSA officers who use various detection tools, together with their examination skills and overall training, to identify indicators of concealment," said CBSA Hamilton/Kitchener District Director, Libby Tiberi. "I want to commend the work of our officers whose efforts have prevented the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs and other contraband."

CBSA officers have seized over $2.4 million in suspected heroin, over $234,000 in cigarettes and over $71,000 in khat at the Hamilton International Airport in several significant seizures this year. To date in 2010, there have been 224 drug seizures with a value of over $4 million at the airport.

CBSA officers play a vital role in the interception of illegal drugs and other contraband at Canadian ports of entry. These seizures help deter the smuggling of illegal drugs which undermines the safety of Canadian communities and fuels organized crime.

– 30 –

For media information

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Communications Manager
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 905-354-2011
Cell: 905-933-5463

---