Canada Border Services Agencies (CBSA) and Manitoba RCMP say they have made the largest narcotics seizure in prairie history, over $50 million in meth.
CBSA and RCMP held a press conference in Winnipeg on January 31 and said the haul was found in a semi-trailer bound for Winnipeg on January 14 at the Boissevain border crossing
Officers discovered and seized 406.2 kg of suspected methamphetamine, approximately four million illicit doses valued at over $50,780,000.00, following the examination of a commercial truck at the Boissevain port of entry. The narcotics were found in several large suitcases in the truck.
“This is the largest seizure of narcotics our border officers have ever made in the prairies. Thanks to their quick and decisive action, more than 400 kg of methamphetamine were kept off our streets. The accused has been charged for importation of methamphetamine valued at over 50 million dollars, trafficking, and smuggling into Canada,” said Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency
The driver, identified as Komalpreet Sidhu, a 29-year-old man from Winnipeg, who was alone in the vehicle, was arrested by the CBSA and transferred to the Manitoba RCMP along with the suspected narcotics.
He faces charges of importing methamphetamine and possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He is expected to appear in court on February, 1, 2024.
“This is another great example of the partnership between the CBSA and the RCMP to keep our communities safe and disrupt organized crime and drug trafficking,” Russ Lapointe, Director, Southern Manitoba District, Canada Border Services Agency
“This substantial seizure by the Canada Border Services Agency means that approximately four million illicit methamphetamine doses will not reach our streets and takes away over 50 million dollars from the hands of organized crime networks and local drug traffickers. These drugs were destined not only for the streets of Winnipeg, but throughout Manitoba and beyond. There is no doubt this shipment would have inflicted significant harm to our communities,” said Inspector Joe Telus, Federal Policing, Manitoba RCMP.
by LORRAINE HOUSTON, Editor
