Contraband cannabis, worth over $12.8 million (about N19.8 billion) and destined for Nigeria, was recently seized in a major bust at the Port of Montreal, Canada.
The cannabis, which weigh nearly 1,400 kilogrammes, was discovered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The seizure followed an inspection of a marine container, which was loaded with vehicles and vehicle parts, by CBSA officers from the Montreal Marine and Rail Service last 27 December. The 1,384.5 kilogrammes of cannabis was found concealed in more than 3,100 sealed packets and packed into 59 large sports bags.
The seized goods have been handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation. No arrests have been reported so far.
CBSA’s Regional Director General for Quebec, Eric Lapierre said: ‘This seizure is another example of the CBSA’s efforts to secure the border and prevent the export of contraband abroad. Seizures like these contribute significantly to ensuring that organised crime does not benefit from unlawful gains’.
While possessing up to 30 grammes of cannabis is legal in Canada, importing or exporting the weed in any form without a permit or exemption authorised by Health Canada is a criminal offence in the North American country, subject to punishment of up to 14 years in jail.
In the first two quarters of 2024, the CBSA reported seizing nearly 9,500 kilogrammes of cannabis products, including dried and fresh cannabis, seeds, solids, non-solids, concentrates, and synthetic cannabis. The agency also intercepted significant quantities of other hard drugs during this period, including roughly 1,100 kilograms of cocaine, 195 kilogrammes of opioids, and more.
The Canadian government recently announced a $1.3 billion investment over six years to enhance border security, with a particular focus on combating the illicit drug trade. About $355 million of the funding will go to the CBSA to improve detection capabilities, including the creation of a new Canadian Drug Profiling Centre to support 2,000 investigations annually, Public Safety Canada said in a December 2024 press release. The CBSA will also deploy new chemical detection tools at high-risk ports and expand canine teams to help intercept illegal drugs.
These measures were announced amid tariff threats from United States President Donald Trump following his victory in the November 2024 election. He had expressed concerns about the flow of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States from Canada, as well as illegal immigrants crossing the Canada-U.S. border. Following his inauguration, Trump suggested that a 25 per cent tariff on Canada could be imposed as early as Feb. 1.
Some provinces are also taking added measures to secure their borders against illicit drug flow. Ontario launched Operation Deterrence earlier this month, deploying 200 officers and various technologies to address illegal border crossings and trafficking.
In December, Alberta introduced a new patrol unit to combat drug smuggling, gun trafficking, and illegal migration along its border with the U.S. state of Montana. Meanwhile, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also announced plans to deploy conservation officers to support U.S. border surveillance.
Source: The Epoch Times
