The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is highlighting two significant drug busts at the Blue Water Bridge, totaling $43.7 million worth of cocaine.
The drug seizures at the Point Edward port of entry happened within a two-day timespan last month.
On August 13, officials seized six boxes of suspected cocaine from the trailer of a commercial truck entering Canada from the U.S.
The CBSA said the narcotics weighed 150 kilograms and were worth an estimated street value of $18.8 million. A 28-year-old Brampton resident was arrested and transferred to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The next day, on August 14, another Canada-bound tractor trailer was searched.
Officers seized 199 kg of suspected cocaine found in the trailer, worth an estimated $24.9 million. A 38-year-old of Etobicoke was arrested and handed over to the RCMP.
Both of the accused were charged with importation of cocaine, and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
“These two successful seizures highlight the great work being done every day by the CBSA and RCMP at the border," said Central Region RCMP C/Supt. Chris Leather in a statement. "The RCMP remains committed to working diligently with our partners to protect Canadians from the threats posed by drug trafficking."
Both matters are before the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia as the investigations continue.
“The Canada Border Services Agency is protecting our borders and ensuring the safety of our communities. So far this year, border services officers at land ports of entry in southern Ontario have seized more than 1.52 tonnes of cocaine coming from the United States,” said CBSA Southern Ontario Regional Director General Michael Prosia in a statement.
The CBSA said 62 per cent of cocaine seized this year came from the U.S. Between January 1 and August 20, border officers have seized a total of 1,424 kg of cocaine from the U.S., compared to 878 kg from all other countries combined.