THREE individuals have been arrested and 115 kg of methamphetamine seized following an investigation led by the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region Drugs and Organized Crime (FPPR DOC) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Police had identified two suspects allegedly involved in the importation of drugs from Canada into Australia. An investigation was initiated and the RCMP identified a shipment of drugs about to be exported to Australia.
In January, RCMP investigators, with the assistance of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility, intercepted a shipment of 115 kg of methamphetamine hidden in jars of pickles destined for Melbourne, Australia.
On March 17, two men, ages 40 and 63, were arrested in Australia and search warrants were executed at two residences in Sydney and Melbourne. The following items were seized during the searches:
- $400,000 in cash
- Eight, 1 kilogram silver bars
- A luxury vehicle
- Jewellery and watches
- Electronic devices
- Drug paraphernalia
The 40-year-old has been charged with:
- One count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs, and
- One count of conspiracy to import a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs
The 63-year-old was charged with one count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of border-controlled drugs.
On the same day in British Columbia, a 46-year-old foreign national was arrested in Kelowna. He was later released from the RCMP pending further investigation into the exportation of drugs. The individual has been referred to the CBSA for appropriate immigration enforcement action.
Investigators with the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region Drugs and Organized Crime Section executed search warrants at multiple locations including Abbotsford, Lower Nicola, and Kelowna. The following items were seized during the searches:
- Multiple cell phones
- Electronic devices
The RCMP’s liaison officers were also involved in this investigation. RCMP liaison officers contribute to major Canadian investigative inquiries in foreign countries and ensure criminal intelligence is shared between the RCMP and foreign authorities. RCMP International Liaison Officers based in the Indo-Pacific region played a key role in coordinating this complex international operation with partners across multiple jurisdictions.
The RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region Drugs and Organized Crime Section thanked all participating agencies including the RCMP International Program, RCMP detachments in Kelowna, Merritt, and Kamloops as well as the Abbotsford Police Department and the CBSA.
“Today’s announcement is the direct result of sustained international cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals across multiple countries. Drug trafficking knows no borders, and neither does our drive to confront it. This operation demonstrates that our partnerships are not only strong but growing stronger,” said Tim Arseneault, Acting Deputy Regional Commander, RCMP Federal Policing, Pacific Region.
“This investigation is an excellent example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies collaborate internationally to stop dangerous drugs from breaching our borders. The arrests and charges laid as a result of this significant methamphetamine seizure sends a clear message that criminal networks will be disrupted and dismantled, regardless of where they operate. Thank you to our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and continued efforts to prevent transborder crime,” said Nina Patel, Regional Director General, CBSA, Pacific Region.
“Crime can be borderless when observed on an international scale, which is why the AFP works so closely with agencies such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Border Services Agency to target and disrupt transnational crime before it can do harm,” said Simone Butcher, Commander – Southern Command, Australian Federal Police.
