CBSA seizes 187.5 kg of cocaine at the Ambassador Bridge leading to criminal charges by the RCMP Français
During a secondary examination of the trailer, CBSA officers discovered two suitcases and 5 garbage bags containing 161 bricks of suspected cocaine. The approximate value of the cocaine is $23.4 million.
CBSA officers seized the drugs and arrested the driver, Kambiz Karandish, 55, of Richmond Hill, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspected cocaine to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Karandish has been charged by the RCMP with Importation of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The CBSA and the RCMP are committed to protecting our communities from harmful contraband and organized crime.
The investigation is ongoing.
Quotes
"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. 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."
- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
"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."
- Michael Prosia, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency
"The coordinated efforts of CBSA and the RCMP has once again kept a large quantity of dangerous drugs off the streets of Canadian communities. This successful seizure highlights the RCMP's ongoing commitment to disrupt and dismantle organized crime, and is a testament to the dedication and collaboration between our law enforcement partners."
- Superintendent James Parr, Acting Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations, RCMP Central Region
Quick Facts
Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals, this may mean removal from Canada and a ban on returning to Canada.
For the latest narcotics statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
38 minutes ago
- Canada News.Net
Tahawwur Rana set up Mumbai corporate front to aid David Headley's reconnaissance: NIA
New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): In a major development in the probe in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a supplementary chargesheet detailing the role of Pakistani-origin Canadian national Tahawwur Hussain Rana in aiding the deadly assault that left over 170 people dead. According to the chargesheet, Rana played a crucial role in supporting terrorist David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American operative linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, by facilitating his reconnaissance missions across Mumbai. The agency said, 'Rana was instrumental in facilitating the reconnaissance operations carried out by David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.' According to the chargesheet, Rana played a critical role in laying the groundwork for the deadly strikes by establishing a corporate front in Mumbai. The NIA claims that Rana set up the Immigrant Law Centre in Mumbai--an office that posed as a legitimate business but lacked any real commercial activity. Despite the absence of genuine operations or revenue, the office remained operational for over two years, serving solely to support Headley's covert activities. This front allegedly enabled Headley to conduct detailed surveillance of multiple high-profile targets across Mumbai in preparation for the attacks, which killed more than 170 people and shocked the nation. Further investigations suggested that Rana was part of a broader criminal conspiracy that began around 2005, involving co-conspirators based in Pakistan. The stated objective of the conspiracy was to wage war against the Government of India by orchestrating large-scale terror incidents designed to destabilize the country's sovereignty, integrity, and internal security. The NIA alleged that Rana's actions were aimed at striking terror among the Indian population and undermining national interests. As a result, multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have been pressed against him. After years of legal wrangling, Rana was extradited from the United States to India in early 2025. The US Supreme Court had denied his petition in January, clearing the path for his extradition. On April 10, 2025, he was taken into Indian custody under a Non-Bailable Warrant issued by the Special NIA Court in Delhi. His arrest is considered a major breakthrough in the investigation, which continues to uncover new dimensions of the terror conspiracy. According to the NIA, Rana has made several key disclosures during custodial interrogation, leading to fresh investigative leads. To further validate these statements, mutual legal assistance requests have been sent to the United States seeking corroborative evidence and intelligence. The officials close to the investigation believe that the information obtained through these international channels will be crucial in untangling the wider network of conspirators and gathering actionable proof. Rana faced an array of grave charges, including conspiracy to wage war against India, murder, and multiple counts related to terrorism and forgery. The offences include violations of IPC Sections 120B, 121, 302, 468, and 471, as well as Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA. His extradition followed approval by U.S. authorities and marks a significant milestone in Indo-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation. The NIA has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further charges and supplementary materials expected to be submitted depending on the results of international information exchange and continued interrogation. (ANI)
Cision Canada
38 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA officers at Calgary International Airport and Commercial operations seize 160 kg of cannabis, worth over $1.2 million, in a year Français
CALGARY, AB , July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - Over the past year, the CBSA has seized more than 160 kg cannabis at the Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations. The majority of the cannabis was illicit and destined for export. The total amount has an estimated street value of over $1.2 million. These seizures disrupt organized crime that helps fund other illegal activities such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. Among these seizures, border services officers at the Calgary International Airport seized 109 kg in 4 separate smuggling attempts. In each attempt, the cannabis was discovered in vacuum-sealed packages within suitcases destined for the United Kingdom (U.K.). The travellers involved were arrested by CBSA officers. Some additional highlights include: On July 12, 2025, officers intercepted 12.29 kg of cannabis contained in an otherwise empty suitcase from a Canadian citizen. On May 13, 2025, officers intercepted 17.5 kg of cannabis from the suitcase of a traveller from Hong Kong. On October 27, 2024, officers intercepted 31.6 kg of cannabis from a Canadian citizen on a stopover from Vancouver. Officers also found 1 gram of fentanyl and 29 grams of cocaine in small bags hidden within this traveller's suitcases. On Aug 31, 2024, officers intercepted 48 kg of cannabis concealed in bath towels within two suitcases of a Canadian citizen. A second Canadian citizen was also arrested. At Calgary Commercial operations, officers intercepted 9 packages containing small amounts of cannabis of 1 to 10 kg each bound for the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands. The cannabis was contained in vacuum-sealed bags and were falsely declared. Although cannabis is legal in Canada, the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act. Quotes "The ongoing interceptions of illegal cannabis by border services officers in Calgary is another example of the CBSA's efforts to secure the border and prevent the exporting of contraband. Interrupting these smuggling attempts shows our constant commitment to public safety in Canada and beyond." - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "CBSA border services officers are combatting drug smuggling and disrupting domestic and international crime networks. If anyone asks you to transport cannabis for them, don't do it! Cannabis import and export laws have severe consequences in Canada and around the world." - Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region Quick Facts Under the Cannabis Act, it is illegal to import into Canada, or export from Canada, cannabis without a valid permit, issued by the Government of Canada. Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law. Cannabis laws change at the border – what is legal in one country may be illegal in another. Bringing cannabis across the border is a serious crime. Even small amounts can leads to criminal charges. The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians. For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures. Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available here. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line
CTV News
38 minutes ago
- CTV News
Crash between gravel, water trucks leaves one dead: RCMP
A Tuesday morning crash between two trucks on Manitoba's Highway 1 has left one man dead. Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 1 and Road 101 West around 7:30 a.m., where they found a gravel truck that had been hit from behind by a truck hauling a water tank. RCMP investigated and determined the driver of the gravel truck was getting up to speed after turning onto the highway from Curries Landing Road when he was hit by the water truck. The 22-year-old driver of the water truck sustained minor injuries, but his 20-year-old male passenger died at the scene. The 59-year-old driver of the gravel truck was not injured. Police note all those involved were wearing seatbelts. RCMP continues to investigate.
