A man from Ontario, Canada, has been charged after officers from the Canadian Border Services Agency seized over $20 million in suspected cocaine at the Ambassador Bridge two months ago, authorities reported on Wednesday.
Kambiz Karandish, 55, from Richmond Hill, Ontario, faces charges by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for importing cocaine and possessing cocaine with the intent to traffic under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
“When CBSA intercepts an attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into Canada, they are acting as our first line of defence against organized crime and those who would profit from the illegal drug trade,” said Gary Anandasangaree, minister of Public Safety, in a statement. “In tandem with the RCMP, they are protecting communities throughout Canada and demonstrating to us all that keeping our borders secure is a national public safety priority.”
According to a news release on Wednesday, border officers were stationed at the bridge’s port of entry on May 23 when they discovered 187.5 kilograms of drugs during a search of a commercial truck trying to enter Canada from the United States. Authorities say a secondary inspection revealed two suitcases and five garbage bags filled with 161 bricks of suspected cocaine.
The estimated value of these drugs is around $23.4 million.
“The ongoing efforts of our border services officers to intercept narcotics and weapons is to be commended. The CBSA is continually adapting to be in a position to stop criminals by disrupting their evolving smuggling and concealment attempts. We use all tools and intelligence at our disposal to stop narcotics from reaching our streets,” said Michael Prosia, regional director general of the agency’s Southern Ontario region.
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