Prosecutions and Seizures

Atlantic Region

CBSA officers uncover hash in marine container

Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 9, 2008 -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP’s National Port Enforcement Team announced today that CBSA officers at the Port of Halifax seized over 320 kilos of hashish with an estimated street value of $6.4 million.

CBSA officers discovered the drugs on March 12, 2008, while searching a marine container bound for Montréal that originated in Morocco. The CBSA’s targeting unit had identified the container. This unit examines the manifests of all containers arriving in the Port of Halifax and identifies those containers that require a full physical inspection. 

The container held six large wooden crates of pottery products. The crates were unloaded and examined using a pallet Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). This X-ray technology system detected anomalies in the floors of the crates. CBSA officers removed the wooden floors of the crates and discovered the drugs.

The drugs were turned over to the RCMP. Further investigation by the RCMP in Montréal has led to two arrests. The individuals were charged with importation of a controlled substance and are facing trials in 2009. 

This is the second seizure of illegal drugs by the CBSA at the Port of Halifax this year. Since January 2008, CBSA examinations at the Port have yielded over 347 kilos of illegal drugs valued at $17.4 million.

Photos and video footage of the seizure are available upon request.

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For media information:

Jennifer Morrison
Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
902-426-2271

Sergeant Mark Gallagher
RCMP – Media Relations,
"H" Division, Halifax
902-426-5120
902-222-0154 (cell)