Gurpreet Singh Mand of Surrey charged with drug importation

Seized heroin. Photo: RCMP

The packages contained about 13 kg of high quality heroin 

 

Seized heroin.
Photo: RCMP

LAST August, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP Border Enforcement Team (RCMP-BET) began an investigation into drug importation at the Douglas Port of Entry in BC. Charges have now been laid by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada against Gurpreet Singh Mand, 39, of Surrey.

Mand has been charged with importing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

On August 18, 2017, at approximately 1 a.m., Mand was returning to Canada from the United States through the Douglas Port of Entry. At the primary inspection booth, a verification of Mand’s declaration was performed by CBSA Border Services Officers (BSOs) which resulted in the discovery of a suitcase containing 13 vacuum sealed packages of what the officers believed to be a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Mand was arrested by the BSOs for smuggling under the Customs Act. As part of the investigation, the BSOs contacted the RCMP-BET who took over the investigation and arrested Mand for further criminal charges.

During the RCMP-BET investigation, the packages were found to contain high quality heroin with a combined weight of approximately 13 kilograms. This significant amount of heroin would supply 130,000 doses at the street level.

Sgt. Eric Boechler said: “This large seizure of heroin would have been destined for the domestic opioid market. There is a high likelihood it would have been further mixed with fentanyl or other potent synthetic opioids. This seizure will keep these dangerous drugs off the streets of British Columbia.”

Holly Stoner, Chief of Operations with the CBSA at the Douglas Port of Entry, said: “Our officers work around the clock to ensure that Canadian communities are protected from dangerous contraband, such as illegal narcotics. Working in partnership with our law enforcement partners, like the RCMP, ensures that criminals caught at the border will be prosecuted for their actions.”