Prosecutions and Seizures

Pacific Region (including Yukon)

CBSA officers intercept 39 kilos of cocaine

Surrey, British Columbia, September 5, 2008 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing recently seized 39 kilograms of cocaine hidden under the bunk of a tractor-trailer.

"This significant seizure underlines the excellent cooperation between the CBSA and the RCMP, and confirms the importance of taking an integrated approach to combating cross border criminal activity," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. "Illegal drugs destroy lives and fuel organized crime. Once again, Canadians can be proud of the contributions made by our law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe."

On August 27, the driver of the tractor-trailer arrived at the Pacific Highway border crossing. The primary officer referred the rig for a more thorough secondary examination at CBSA’s Commercial Operations section. While examining the cab of the truck, CBSA officers found the cocaine hidden under the bunk of the sleeping area. 

Border services officers immediately arrested the driver, secured the 39 kilograms of cocaine and contacted the RCMP’s Greater Vancouver Drug Section, who assisted in the investigation.

Last year, border services officers in the Pacific Region seized nearly 600 kilograms of cocaine. Two-thirds of those seizures - 400 kilograms – were seized at the Pacific Highway border crossing.

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Digital photos are available upon request.

For media information

Shakila Manzoor
Communications Manager
Canada Border Services Agency
604-666-6084