More than 400 kg of methamphetamine seized at Manitoba border; largest seizure in Prairie history
The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and RCMP seized 406 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine at a southern Manitoba border crossing earlier this month.
It is the largest seizure of narcotics by the CBSA in Prairie history.
“Without a doubt, their work has made an impact and will stem the availability of this incredibly dangerous drug, a drug that has already impacted so many lives,” said Insp. Joe Telus with Manitoba RCMP’s Federal Policing Unit.
According to Ken MacGregor, CBSA chief of operations, the seizure took place on Jan. 14 at the Boissevain port of entry following the search of a transport truck heading to Winnipeg from the United States.
“This truck was selected for further examination,” he said. “It was during that examination that officers found narcotics in several large suitcases.”
The seized drugs are valued at approximately $50,780,000, the CBSA said.
The driver has been charged with importing methamphetamine and possession for the purpose of trafficking. He will appear in Manitoba court in February.
Telus said even though an arrest has been made and drugs seized, there is still a lot of investigative work to do.
“Normally, this type of seizure is the result of an extensive, years-long investigation,” he said. “In this instance, we have a massive quantity of drugs, and now need to work backwards and look at every detail.”
Telus believes due to the origin and size of the shipment that organized crime at the local, national and international levels are involved, and the drugs would have been distributed in Winnipeg, Western Canada and Ontario.
“Large illicit drug shipments such as this one, and the subsequent distribution of these drugs, is closely associated with increased violence in our communities, as street gangs and organized crime networks fight over territory and who gets to sell to the users,” he said.
“That’s why this seizure is so important. It will make a difference to many lives and communities throughout our country.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.