Prosecutions and Seizures

Greater Toronto Region

CBSA and RCMP seize suspected cocaine found hidden in a washroom ceiling at the Toronto Pearson International Airport

Mississauga, Ontario, July 4, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced today the significant seizure of suspected cocaine at the Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA).

On June 17, 2013, border services officers working at Terminal 3 of the TPIA observed suspicious packages in the men's washroom in the CBSA Primary Inspection Hall. Upon examining an overhang above the washroom stalls, officers found multiple plastic wrapped packages with orange and white tape, a cellular phone, batteries, a charging cord and a battery charger. Subsequent testing proved positive for suspected cocaine.  

"In recent weeks I have reiterated the message that attempting to smuggle drugs is simply not worth it," said Goran Vragovic, Regional Director General of the Greater Toronto Area Region. "CBSA officers work diligently to prevent anyone from using international airports for illegal cross-border activities."

A total of 16 packages, weighing 18.2 kg were removed from the overhang and turned over to the RCMP for further investigation.

"Toronto continues to be a shipping and trans-shipping point for local and other point drug smuggling," stated Inspector Dean Dickson, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment. "We are working together to ensure that we can address this smuggling."

If you have witnessed or are aware of an incident involving suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 or the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020.

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For media information

GTA Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
Antonella DiGirolamo
905-803-2800

Media Relations
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Michèle Paradis
905-405-3750 ext 238

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