Drugs destined for Halifax found in kids’ backpacks, lunch bags & spools of fabric

Nova Scotia RCMP say they have arrested two people for importing heroin into Halifax following an investigation that began in Montreal earlier this month.

On June 21, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Montreal intercepted a package containing what they believed to be heroin.

The drugs were concealed within children’s back packs, lunch bags and spools of fabric and destined for Halifax. CBSA notified the RCMP who began an investigation.

Two days later, the package arrived at a Halifax address. RCMP say they also had information that indicated a second package was on its way.

On June 26, the second package arrived. In total, RCMP say they seized an estimated 6.5 kilograms of heroin between the two packages.

“Knowing that these drugs may have come in contact with these toxic and lethal opioids is very concerning,” said Insp. Jason Popik in a news release.

“Thanks to the great work and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, these drugs will not reach our communities.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Knowing that these drugs may have come in contact with these toxic and lethal opioids is very concerning," said Insp. Jason Popik in a news release.</p><p>"Thanks to the great work and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, these drugs will not reach our communities."

On June 27, a man and woman picked up what was believed to be the two packages from the Halifax address and were arrested by the RCMP.

Mithusha Poobalasingam, 22, of Toronto is facing the following charges:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Heroin)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Carfentanil)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Methylfentanyl)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Heroin)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Carfentanil)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Methylfentanyl)
• False representation of a Canadian aviation document

Geevan Nagendran, 37, of Toronto is facing the following charges:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Heroin)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Carfentanil)
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (Methylfentanyl)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Heroin)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Carfentanil)
• Importation of a controlled substance (Methylfentanyl)
• False representation of a Canadian aviation document

As part of the investigation, RCMP say the packages were tested to detect any other drugs.

The testing indicated the heroin or packaging may have come in contact with Carfentanil and Methylfentanyl. Both are opioids often used in other drugs to make them more potent and even the tiniest particles could be lethal.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

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