The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) today announced a significant suspected drug seizure and arrest at the Pacific Highway port of entry.
On Aug. 12, CBSA officers at Pacific Highway referred a commercial driver for further inspection. After X-ray imaging of the tractor and trailer revealed anomalies, officers continued their examination and located seven boxes of suspected dried opium poppy plants (including the pods), weighing 29 kg total.
Officers arrested the driver and turned them, along with the suspected opium poppy plants, over to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit. The driver was released pending a further ongoing investigation.
The CBSA estimates the value of the suspected opium poppy plants at $58,000.
“Opium poppy is the source of all natural opioids, including doda, a highly-addictive street drug made from dried pods and husks,” said Daniela Evans, Director of Pacific Highway District, Canada Border Services Agency. “The CBSA conducts risk-based screening at the border and works with the RCMP to protect Canadians from all forms of drug smuggling.”
According to the CBSA, opium poppy and its derivatives are regulated under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Only licensed dealers under the Narcotic Control Regulations are allowed to import or export opium, with a valid permit.
“Investigations such as this, highlight the important relationship between the Canada Border Services Agency and RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime in detecting and interdicting drugs in the first instance and bringing those allegedly responsible through the court process,” added Insp. Stephen Lee with the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unity. “Such partnerships are critical in supporting our ongoing commitment to combatting transnational organized crime.”
