Two arrested after opium found concealed inside women’s sandals

(Ottawa, Ontario – June 26, 2013) - A joint operation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in the seizure of approximately two kilograms of opium and two arrests.

Various sandals, one with sole pried open and package of opium removed

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Package containing opium inside a sandal

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In November 2012, CBSA officers at the Léo Blanchette Mail Processing Centre in Montréal intercepted two parcels originating from Turkey. One of the packages was destined for Ottawa, ON and the other for Surrey, BC. An X-ray examination of the packages revealed several masses, carefully hidden inside women’s sandals. Upon further examination, border services officers detected opium.

CBSA then contacted the Ottawa Detachment of the RCMP for further investigation. As the result of an investigation, the RCMP have arrested and charged Samira Jahangiri from Surrey, BC, and Haniyeh Jahangiri from Ottawa, Ontario.  

Both have been charged with 'conspiracy to import a controlled substance' under the Criminal Code and 'importation of a controlled substance’ under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Haniyeh Jahangiri was also charged with an additional count of 'possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking' under the CDSA. They have been released from custody and are currently scheduled to appear in court on July 10, 2013 at the Ontario Court of Justice located at 161 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario.  

Anyone with information on individuals believed to be involved in illegal drug-related activity is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You may also contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 if you are aware of suspicious cross-border activity.

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For more information, please contact: 

RCMP Media Relations,
“O” Division (Ontario)
Telephone: 416-992-4409

CBSA Media Relations,
Quebec Region
Telephone: 514-350-6130