A combined investigation has resulted in the seizure of 31 kilograms of cocaine at the Carway, Alta. border crossing, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Lethbridge.
On March 17, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers flagged an Alberta man returning to Canada for further examination.
A thorough search of his vehicle uncovered 31 bricks of suspected cocaine in a sealed compartment – enough for approximately 310,000 individual hits, according to the CBSA.
“Hidden underneath a panel, they uncovered a sophisticated compartment,” southern Alberta director for the CBSA Guy Rook said Thursday. “The compartment was made of steel, locked from the inside and connected to the vehicle’s electrical wiring. Officers suspected the lock could only be activated by pressing a sequence of buttons on the vehicle console.”
“It was not easily detectable.”
“It was the training and dedication of front-line officers that recognized the very subtle irregularities. They followed their training…to reveal those bricks that were contained well within the structure of the vehicle.”
The seizure represents the largest narcotics seizure ever made at the Carway crossing.
“The CBSA in southern Alberta remains vigilant in intercepting illicit drugs and working with partners to fight organized crime; we have now seized more than 150 kg of suspected cocaine over the past four months,” Rook said.
“Canadians can count on us to keep our borders open to legitimate travel and trade, but keep inadmissible goods and people from Canada.”
RCMP believe the incident is linked to organized crime.
“Thirty-one kilograms of cocaine being brought into our country is definitely not used for personal consumption, so we definitely believe there is some connection to an organized crime element here,” said Insp. Allan Lai, acting officer of federal policing in southern Alberta.
The man was arrested and turned over to the RCMP, along with the suspected cocaine.
Two days later, 26-year old Bradley Michael Gaudrault, of Fort McMurray, was charged with two counts under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
He is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court again on Thursday.
Officials wouldn’t comment on the potential destination for the drugs, or where the drugs originated from.
With files from Jessie Weisner
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