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Canada Border Services Agency Seizes Over $1.2 Million Worth of Illicit Cannabis at Calgary International Airport

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As part of ongoing efforts to combat organized crime, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has made several significant seizures of illicit cannabis at the Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations over the past year. According to the CBSA, more than 160 kg of cannabis was seized, with the majority being destined for export. The estimated street value of these seizures totals over $1.2 million. These actions not only disrupt organized crime groups but also help prevent the smuggling of other illicit goods, such as narcotics and weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CBSA has seized over 160 kg of illicit cannabis at the Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations, with an estimated street value of over $1.2 million.
  • The majority of the cannabis was destined for export, primarily to the United Kingdom (U.K.), Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  • In one notable incident, CBSA officers intercepted 48 kg of cannabis concealed in bath towels within two suitcases of a Canadian citizen.
  • A total of 9 packages containing small amounts of cannabis (1 to 10 kg each) were also intercepted at Calgary Commercial operations, bound for the U.K., Belgium, and the Netherlands.
  • The travellers involved in these smuggling attempts were arrested by CBSA officers.
  • The seizures highlight the ongoing efforts of the CBSA to combat organized crime and prevent the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis, which is punishable by imprisonment under the Customs Act and the Cannabis Act.

Statistics:

  • Over 160 kg of cannabis was seized at the Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations.
  • Estimated street value of the seized cannabis: over $1.2 million.
  • 109 kg of cannabis was seized in 4 separate smuggling attempts at the Calgary International Airport.
  • 12.29 kg, 17.5 kg, 31.6 kg, and 48 kg of cannabis were seized from Canadian citizens and a traveller from Hong Kong, respectively.

Sources:

  • Government of Canada, "Canada Border Services Agency"

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