Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

CBSA officers seize opium and khat from travellers

Calgary, Alberta, January 27, 2012 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Calgary International Airport have made their first two drug seizures of 2012.

On Thursday, January 19, CBSA officers seized 29.55 kg of khat from a Fort McMurray man returning from the United Kingdom. The khat was found in two checked bags during secondary examination.

On Sunday, January 22, CBSA officers seized 3.41 kg of opium from a Vancouver man returning from Tehran. The opium was found in two false-sided checked bags during secondary examination.

CBSA officers arrested both travellers and turned them over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

CBSA officers play an essential role in intercepting illegal drugs and other contraband items from entering Canada at our ports of entry. These seizures are a direct result of the diligent work of CBSA officers who use their examination and investigative skills, as well as overall training, to identify indicators of concealment.

In 2011, CBSA officers in Calgary seized 254 kg and 32,125 doses of drugs.

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For media information:

Lisa White
CBSA Communications
403-292-4011