THE Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Thursday announced a significant seizure of suspected cocaine being smuggled into Canada at the Osoyoos port of entry in British Columbia.

On June 11, border services officers at Osoyoos port of entry examined the pick-up truck of a Canadian citizen who was returning to Canada from the United States. Upon examination of the vehicle’s truck bed, officers found bricks of cocaine weighing a total of 70 kg.

This is the largest cocaine seizure at this port of entry and represents an estimated 140,000 individual doses.

The CBSA arrested the driver who was then transferred to the custody of the RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region.

Gary Anandasangaree, federal Minister of Public Safety, said: “The CBSA works tirelessly to secure our borders, protect Canadians and disrupt the activities of transnational crime groups. With this significant seizure, illegal drugs will not end up in our communities, and the profits will not end up in the hands of organized crime.”

Nina Patel, Regional Director General, CBSA, Pacific Region, said: “This seizure is a great example of the dedication and expertise of CBSA officers as they continue to work hard each and every day to prevent illegal drugs from breaching our borders. I also want to recognize and thank the RCMP for their ongoing collaboration to ensure public safety.”

David Teboul, Assistant Commissioner, RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region, said: “These results reflect the strength and effectiveness of our cross-border collaboration, interrupting the flow of illicit drugs across international borders. I commend the outstanding work of the CBSA as this seizure will have a direct impact on public safety, helping to protect our communities.”