Prosecutions and Seizures

Pacific Region (including Yukon)

CBSA officers intercept 90 kilos of cocaine

Surrey, British Columbia, December 21, 2007 -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing have seized 90.38 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of lemons.

“This seizure clearly demonstrates the excellent work our officers continue to do,” said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. “Once again Canadians can be proud of the contributions made by our law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.”

On December 12, 2007, CBSA officers identified a tractor-trailer that required further examination.  After removing the contents of the trailer, officers noticed packages visible through the finger holes in the produce boxes. Once the boxes were opened, officers discovered 83 heat-sealed packages of cocaine.  Investigations are ongoing.

So far this year, CBSA officers in the Pacific Region have seized 457 kilograms of cocaine. Last year, the CBSA made 2,193 drug seizures in the Region, keeping nearly 700 kilograms of drugs off Canadian streets.

Digital photos available upon request.

-30-

For media information:

CBSA Media Enquiries - Pacific Region