Prosecutions and Seizures

Pacific Region

Large shipment of precursor chemicals seized by CBSA in Vancouver

April 30, 2013, Vancouver, British Columbia – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that officers at the Vancouver Container Examination Facility (CEF) seized over 2,000 litres of precursor chemicals.  

On April 19, CBSA officers examined a shipment, declared as soy sauce, from China. Upon further investigation of the 384 pails in the marine container, CBSA officers noticed discrepancies in the load and conducted a full examination of the entire shipment.

During the examination, officers found that the contents of 139 of the 384 pails were not consistent with the declaration. Samples were taken and sent to the CBSA Laboratory for identification. The laboratory results later confirmed that the pails actually contained Hypophosphorous Acid, a precursor chemical used in the production of methamphetamine.

To import Class A precursor chemicals listed in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, a Health Canada permit is required. As the importer did not have a permit, and did not declare the chemicals in this shipment, the 139 pails, containing 2,627 litres of Hypophosphorous Acid, were seized with no terms of release.

"The diversion of controlled substances and precursor chemicals frequently used in the production of illegal drugs is a worldwide problem that requires a global solution," said Kathi Kruhlak, Acting Chief of the CBSA's Vancouver CEF. "The CBSA works closely with law enforcement partners to impede the flow of drugs and controlled precursor chemicals across international borders and to investigate the diversion, production and trafficking of these substances."

To date, no charges have been laid and the investigation continues.

This is the second significant precursor chemical seizure in the Pacific Region in the past six months. In October 2012, CBSA officers at the Prince Rupert CEF seized over 14 tonnes of precursor chemicals -- the largest precursor chemical seizure on record for CBSA Prince Rupert.

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For media information

For media information
Canada Border Services Agency
604-818-9701

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