News Release

Pacific Region

Two convicted for importing cocaine

New Westminster, British Columbia, July 4, 2012 – A former Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employee and another man have been convicted for their involvement in importing over 200 kilograms of cocaine.

Baljinder KANDOLA, a former CBSA border services officer has been convicted of Importing Cocaine into Canada contrary to section 6 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), Conspiracy to Import Cocaine contrary to section 6(1) of the CDSA and section 465 (1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada, Accepting a Bribe contrary to section 120 (a) of the Criminal Code, and Breach of Trust in connection with the duties of his office contrary to section 122 of the Criminal Code.

Shminder JOHAL has been convicted of Importing Cocaine into Canada contrary to section 6 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Conspiracy to Import Cocaine contrary to section 6(1) of the CDSA and section 465 (1)(c) of the Criminal Code of Canada, Importation of Firearms contrary to section 103 (1)(a), Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the CDSA, and Bribery contrary to section 120 (b) of the Criminal Code.

"This conviction sends a clear message that the importation of illicit drugs across our border will not be tolerated," says Superintendent Derek Simmonds, Officer in Charge, B.C. Federal Border Integrity Program. "As Canada's police force, the RCMP worked closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prevent and disrupt these dangerous drugs from reaching our communities."

The charges and conviction stem from a joint RCMP, CBSA investigation which began in 2006.

"The Canada Border Services Agency takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, including the interdiction of illegal drugs," said Kim Scoville, the CBSA's Executive Director in the Pacific Region.

Sentencing is scheduled for July.

– 30 –

For media information

Sgt Duncan Pound
Federal Media Relations Officer
778-571-7333

Faith St. John
CBSA Communications Advisor
604-666-5492