‘Largest in prairie history’: $50 million in meth seized at Manitoba border crossing

Manitoba RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency say they’ve made the largest narcotics seizure in prairie history — over $50 million in meth — at the Boissevain border crossing.

Officials from the Mounties and the CBSA spoke to media at 11 a.m. from the RCMP ‘D’ Division headquarters in Winnipeg, and said the bust led to the seizure of 406.2 kilograms of the drug, the equivalent to four million doses.

The haul was found in a semi-trailer bound for Winnipeg on Jan. 14, police said. The driver of the truck, who was alone in the vehicle, was arrested and faces charges of importing methamphetamine and possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

“This is an extraordinary seizure for the Canada Border Services Agency, and I congratulate the border agents who used their training and experience to stop this shipment from reaching its destination,” said RCMP Insp. Joe Telus, federal policing.

“Without a doubt, their work has made an impact and will stem the availability of this incredibly dangerous drug, a drug that has already impacted so many lives. The seizure only occurred a couple of weeks ago and given the amount of the drugs that were located, we have a lot of investigative work to do.

“Normally, this type of seizure is the result of an extensive, years-long investigation. In this instance, we have a massive quantity of drugs and now need to work backwards and look at every detail.”

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The drugs, RCMP said, were likely planned for distribution in Manitoba and throughout western Canada, as well as potentially into Ontario — and a such a huge shipment would likely have had an effect on the wider community beyond just the drug users.

“Large illicit drug shipments such as this one and the subsequent distribution of these drugs is closely associated with increased violence in our communities,” Telus said.

“Our street gangs and organized crime networks fight over territory and who gets to sell to their users. This is why this seizure is so important. It will make a difference to many lives and communities throughout our country.

“By removing these drugs from circulation. It has a direct impact on the safety of Canadians.”

The suspect, a 29-year-old Winnipeg man, will make an appearance in court Thursday. Police and border officials continue to investigate.

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