Latest news with #ControlledDrugsandSubstancesAct
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Canada Border Services Agency arrest Punjab-origin truck driver for attempting to smuggle in 197 kg of cocaine
CHANDIGARH: An Indian-origin Punjabi truck driver has been arrested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the US-Canada border while allegedly attempting to smuggle in 197 kg of cocaine worth nearly CA$ 24.6 million. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced a significant seizure of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario. "On July 23, 2025, a commercial truck from the United States was referred for a secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry. During an inspection of the trailer, border services officers found seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine. The total weight of the suspected narcotics was 197 kg, with an estimated street value of $24.6 million,'' the statement by CBSA read. It further stated that the CBSA arrested 29-year-old Onkar Kalsi of Caledon, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspects to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Kalsi 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 investigation is ongoing.'' Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, said,`` This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stop criminal activities and safeguarding our communities. Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders.' Michael Prosia, Regional Director General – Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency, said. "This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada. This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities," he added.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Tory request to curb mobile drug site ‘regressive'
The operators of Manitoba's only mobile overdose prevention centre decried the Progressive Conservatives as 'fear-mongering' after the party's leader wrote a letter urging Ottawa to deny its application to continue providing services Thursday. Sunshine House's Mobile Overdose Prevention Site — an RV that included a space for people to use drugs around staff members trained in harm reduction — was totalled in a hit-and-run July 2. It featured a machine that can test drugs for dangerous additives and free harm-reduction supplies. The Salvation Army gave the organization a decommissioned ambulance to use, but Sunshine House is in the process of re-applying for the federal exemption that allows them to operate. Tory Leader Obby Khan and PC housing, addictions and homelessness critic Carrie Hiebert said in a news release Thursday they wrote a letter urging federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel to deny that application. Khan pointed to publicly available data showing there were fewer calls to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service about overdoses and fewer naloxone administrations by paramedics while the van was out of commission in July than there was in June. He suggested that shows 'the van is contributing to the number of overdoses' on city streets. 'We're just looking at putting the brakes on this,' Hiebert told the Free Press Thursday. Data sets published by the city show the WFPS administered naloxone 466 times to 264 patients in July, compared with 619 naloxone administrations and 340 patients in June. Hiebert said she and her colleagues are calling for an extended pause to allow for more data-gathering and analysis over the coming months. The MLA for Morden-Winkler also warned restoring services with a decommissioned ambulance could confuse users and members of the public alike about the staff and resources on board. 'We need to look at how (this program is) affecting treatment and recovery. That should be our No. 1 goal, always — treatment and recovery,' she said. Levi Foy, Sunshine House's executive director, dismissed the comments as 'cheap political points to demonize drug users.' The WFPS gave out a particularly high number of naloxone doses in May — 598 — and the next month. The last time there were more than 600 naloxone doses administered in a month was December 2023. The high numbers could mean there was enough naloxone distribution in the community in July, and people might have been more aware of that and less reliant on emergency services, Foy said. 'It's naive, and it's fear mongering to say that our services are contributing to overdose deaths when it's clear our data doesn't support that,' Foy said. 'Anecdotally, the service providers who we partner with all the time, they also will say that when we're not able to operate our services, that they see a spike in responses.' The RV required an exemption under section 56.1 of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to operate. Summer typically has higher than usual overdose numbers. The average number of naloxone administrations from January to April 2025 was 260. Not all naloxone and other harm reduction is reported to the WFPS, Foy noted. 'It's a very regressive and hateful kind of approach to take to this because at the end of the day, if you take this service off, and then we see a spike, then what's your solution?' Foy said. While the vehicle is out of service, Sunshine House staff are still providing most services near its Logan Avenue building, including handing out harm-reduction supplies and allowing people to use the drug-checking machine. In its most recent annual report, the van recorded more than 26,000 visits from Oct. 28, 2022 to Oct. 31, 2023. There were 7,086 visits to consume drugs, which resulted in 20 overdose incidents, four trips to the hospital and no deaths. There were 81 deaths related to substance use in Manitoba in the first two months of 2025, the most recent data available show. Preliminary data show there were 570 deaths related to substance use in 2024. — with files from Maggie Macintosh Malak AbasReporter Malak Abas is a city reporter at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg's North End, she led the campus paper at the University of Manitoba before joining the Free Press in 2020. Read more about Malak. Every piece of reporting Malak produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA seizes 197 kg of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge
POINT EDWARD, ON, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today a significant seizure of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario. On July 23, 2025, a commercial truck arriving from the United States was referred for a secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry. During an inspection of the trailer, border services officers found seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine. The total weight of the suspected narcotics was 197 kg, with an estimated street value of $24.6 million. The CBSA arrested Onkar Kalsi, 29, of Caledon, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspected narcotics to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Kalsi 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 investigation is ongoing. Between January 1 and July 10, 2025, the CBSA seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries combined. Quotes "This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities. Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders." - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada. This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities. " Michael Prosia, Regional Director General – Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency 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 and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law. 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.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Two men charged in North York drug bust
Drug Squad officers allegedly seized large amounts of crystal meth and cocaine, a firearm, ammunition and cash Two men face charges after Drug Squad officers allegedly seized 17,405 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1,470 grams of cocaine, a semi-automatic JR Carbine multi-caliber firearm, 88 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition and a large quantity of cash on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Photo by Handout / Toronto Police Two men face charges after a firearm and large quantities of illicit drugs were recently seized in North York. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Police say the arrests stem from a drug trafficking investigation, which was launched last month and led to Drug Squad officers executing a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant in the area of Finch Ave. W. and Bathurst St. on July 31. 'It is alleged that (one of) the accused was involved in drug trafficking and was arrested as a result,' Insp. Kathlin Seremetkovski, who heads up the Drug Squad, said in a statement released Wednesday. She said a search warrant was executed at an address that was allegedly associated to the accused man. During the search, officers allegedly located and seized 17,405 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1,470 grams of cocaine, a semi-automatic JR Carbine multi-calibre firearm, 88 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, and a large quantity of cash. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two men face charges after Drug Squad officers allegedly seized 17,405 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1,470 grams of cocaine, a semi-automatic JR Carbine multi-calibre firearm (seen here), 88 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition and a large quantity of cash on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Photo by Handout / Toronto Police A second man who was located at the same address was also arrested. The first accused – Emmanuel Igarza, of Toronto – was already on probation and subject to a court-ordered weapons prohibition based on his charges. RECOMMENDED VIDEO The 36-year-old is charged with three counts of trafficking a Schedule I Substance; two counts of possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000; two counts of possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking; one count of possession of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000; one count of unauthorized possession of a firearm; one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized; one count of possession of a prohibited device/ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized; two counts of careless storage of a firearm/weapon/prohibited device; one count of failure to comply with a probation order; and two counts of possession of a firearm/ammunition contrary to a prohibition order. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More The second accused – Christian Igarza, 32, of Toronto – is charged with two counts of possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking; one count of possession of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000; one count of possession of a prohibited device/ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized; and two counts of careless storage of a firearm/weapon/prohibited device. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 416-808-7350 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). cdoucette@ @sundoucette Television Basketball Toronto & GTA Columnists Music
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Cision Canada
CBSA officers seize 29 kg of methamphetamine from a traveller at Vancouver International Airport leading to criminal charges Français
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On July 18, 2025, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at Vancouver International Airport intercepted 29 kg of methamphetamine from the luggage of a traveller destined for Hong Kong. Officers discovered the methamphetamine concealed in gift-wrapped packages within two suitcases. This quantity of methamphetamine represents an estimated 150,000 individual doses. The CBSA arrested the traveller who was later transferred to the custody of RCMP Border Enforcement Officers with Federal Policing – Pacific Region. Shiyu Deng, a 25-year-old citizen of China, has been charged with the following offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Possession for the Purpose of Exporting Exporting a Controlled Substance The charges are subject to validation by the court. Shiyu Deng has been remanded until their next court appearance on August 6, 2025 and the investigation is ongoing. The CBSA and the RCMP are committed to protecting our communities from harmful contraband and organized crime. Quotes "I have seen first-hand the excellent work done by CBSA employees at Vancouver International Airport. Every day they strive to ensure our borders are secure, Canadians are protected, and transnational crime groups are disrupted. When it helps stop the smuggling of illegal drugs, CBSA is doing its part to keep profits out of the hands of organized crime." – The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "This seizure is another great example of the dedication and expertise of CBSA officers as they continue to work hard each and every day to prevent dangerous drugs from crossing our borders. I also want to thank the RCMP for their ongoing collaboration to ensure public safety." – Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region "This outcome highlights the strength of our partnership with CBSA. Their vigilance and our officers' swift investigative response led to an individual being arrested and charged with attempting to export illegal drugs. This kind of collaboration ensures that transnational crime is met with a united and effective law enforcement approach". – David Teboul, Assistant Commissioner, RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region Quick Facts It is an offence under the Customs Act to smuggle (that is, take goods out of the country without reporting them) or attempt to smuggle out of the country prohibited, controlled or regulated goods. Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has authority under the Customs Act to question all travellers leaving the country and to examine their goods. 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: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system - If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.
