Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region

16 kg of suspected heroin intercepted at Calgary International Airport in two incidents

Calgary, Alberta, May 3, 2013 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today two significant suspected heroin seizures at the Calgary International Airport.

On April 24, 2013, Abdulhamid Hamad, who was returning to Canada from Amsterdam, was referred for secondary examination by CBSA officers. Similarly, on April 30, 2013, Susannah Banico, was also returning to Canada from Amsterdam and referred for secondary examination.  In both cases, an X-ray of the suitcases revealed suspicious masses in what appeared to be false bottom compartments. CBSA officers drilled a small hole in the suitcases and removed a sample of the substance, which tested positive for suspected heroin. Hamad's suitcases contained approximately 12 kilograms of suspected heroin, while Banico's suitcases contained approximately four kilograms.

Both Hamad and Banico were arrested and turned over to the RCMP along with the suspected contraband. They each face two counts each under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

"The first case is the largest heroin seizure ever for the CBSA in Alberta and combined together these are the largest drug seizures so far this year," said Lauren D. Delgaty, Regional Director General for the Prairie Region. "I applaud our officers for their expertise and astute investigative and examination skills."

"Serious and organized criminal activity will frequently have ties to other parts of the world, and these seizures illustrate this point," said Inspector Gord Sereda, Acting Officer in Charge of Federal Policing for southern Alberta. "As soon as we were engaged by the CBSA, the RCMP began piecing together how such a large quantity of drugs fits in with the bigger picture."

The CBSA and the RCMP work together to prevent drugs and other contraband from entering Canada. These seizures help to prevent illegal drug smuggling that endangers the safety of Canadian communities and generates profits for organized crime.

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For media information
Lisa White
CBSA Communications
403-292-4011

Sgt. Patricia Neely
RCMP K Division
403-869-7267

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This video shows the announcement of two significant heroin seizures at the Calgary International Airport on May 3, 2013 by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

16 kg of suspected heroin intercepted at Calgary International Airport in two incidents

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