The Canada Border Services Agency has announced its officers have made the biggest opium seizure to date in the history of the entity, in Vancouver.
On Friday, the service announced nearly 2,500 kilograms of opium were seized, with the help of the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit.
“The safety and security of our communities is our top priority,” said Marco Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety.
“Our work begins at the borders, stopping illicit drugs from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity. I want to thank CBSA employees for their quick and decisive action to keep our country safe.”
The CBSA said its investigation began in September, in conjunction with the RCMP, looking into a “potential significant importation of controlled substances concealed inside marine containers.”
The CBSA’s Metro Vancouver Marine Operations investigated 19 marine containers by late October.
“Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, including X-ray technology, officers discovered irregularities in the shipping pallets as part of a deep concealment method,” CBSA staff said in a release.
“Further physical examination confirmed approximately 2,486 kilograms of opium within 247 shipping pallets.”
The drugs were then turned over to the RCMP’s federal crime unit for further criminal investigation.
“Our border services officers, intelligence officers, and analysts work hard to ensure illicit and dangerous drugs stay out of our communities,” said Nina Patel, CBSA’s Pacific region’s regional director.
“This record seizure of opium is an example of their outstanding dedication to protecting our communities.”