Ont. man charged in cross-border meth smuggling case

A joint operation by the RCMP, police in Thunder Bay and Canada's border service agency has led to the seizure of 140 grams of suspected meth via mail.

A 50-year-old man from Thunder Bay, Ont., is facing charges after a multi-agency investigation disrupted an attempt to smuggle suspected methamphetamine from the United States into Canada via the mail.

The investigation began when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers intercepted a package at a commercial cargo processing facility in Winnipeg, Man., on July 21. The package, which had originated in the U.S. and was addressed to a residence in Thunder Bay, was found to contain approximately 140 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Collaboration leads to arrest

Following the seizure, the CBSA transferred the package to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ontario. The RCMP then collaborated with the Thunder Bay Police Service in a joint enforcement operation that led to the arrest of the intended recipient at his residence.

“The RCMP and CBSA work hand in hand to secure our international border,” said RCMP Central Region Operations Officer Insp. Tim Diebel, in a news release Monday.

The RCMP estimates the street value of the seized substance to be about $7,000.

Charges laid

The Thunder Bay Police Service has charged the man with drug trafficking and importing a controlled substance.

The accused was released on an undertaking and had a scheduled court appearance on Aug. 27.

The three law enforcement officials highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in the successful outcome of the investigation.

“Canada Border Services Agency officers are committed to disrupting organized crime and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities,” said Joey Mackenzie, director of the Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division for the CBSA’s Northern Ontario region.

“From examining cargo in Winnipeg to supporting a smuggling investigation in Thunder Bay, we’ll continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe.”

Det. Staff Sgt. Rob Gombola of the Thunder Bay Police Service echoed the sentiment.

“The impact of working collaboratively with the RCMP and partnering agencies is clear,” he said.

“The sharing of intelligence and resources strengthens our ability to combat the illicit trade and movement of controlled substances within Thunder Bay and the Northwest Region.”

Public assistance encouraged

Authorities are encouraging the public to report any information related to smuggling or drug-related crimes. Tips can be provided to the Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, the confidential CBSA Border Watch line at 1-888-502-9060, or to Crime Stoppers anonymously.