A Calgary woman accused of ingesting dozens of cocaine pellets in an attempt to smuggle them into the country will make a court appearance on Thursday.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the passenger was intercepted at the Edmonton International Airport on April 30 upon her return to Canada from an unknown destination.
“Upon confirmation that the traveler had ingested drugs, CBSA officers arranged for transportation to hospital for immediate medical attention as the traveler’s health and safety was compromised by this type of concealment,” the CBSA said in a news release.
Once the woman had expelled the drugs, they were turned over to RCMP.
In total, the CBSA said the traveler had ingested 82 cocaine pellets with a total weight of 978.6 grams.
“Ingesting narcotics to evade detection is an extremely dangerous practice for the courier, regardless of how well the pellets are wrapped,” the CBSA said. “It is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical intervention.”
RCMP have charged Colleen Ellingson, 45, of Calgary with several offences including possession for the purpose of traffic and importation of drugs.
She is scheduled to appear in Leduc Provincial Court on May 5.
The CBSA said 128 drug-related seizures have been made in Alberta so far this year.