RCMP Federal IBET lays charges after CBSA seizes 43kg/93 lbs shipment of cocaine

The RCMP Federal Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), in partnership with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has charged a Calgary trucker for importing cocaine into Canada.

On November 6, a commercial transport vehicle entered the Coutts border crossing with a shipment of bananas. A secondary examination was initiated by CBSA officers, which revealed approximately 43 kg of cocaine secreted within the load. CBSA referred the seized drugs over to IBET for further investigation.

On November 7, Gurkirat Singh, 26, a resident of Calgary, was charged with the following offences:

· Importation of a Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and,

· Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Singh is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on November 17, 2022.

“Through our partnership with CBSA, as well as the support of various RCMP detachment members, we successfully prevented harmful drugs from being illegally imported into Canada and potentially causing significant harm to our communities,” explained Supt. Sean Boser, OIC of Federal Policing in Calgary.

“By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we’re reducing the risk of harm to Canadians and keeping our communities safe. I want to thank CBSA and RCMP employees for their continued quick and decisive action and for their ongoing efforts to protect our country from illegal drugs, firearms and other contraband.,” added Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency.

IBET is an integrated federal policing unit based out of Calgary and Edmonton that contributes to maintaining Canada’s safety and security including the land and air border domains in Alberta. Their mandate is to enhance border integrity and security along the shared border, between designated ports of entry, by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons, organizations and goods that are involved in criminal activities. The unit is comprised of members of the Alberta RCMP, CBSA and Calgary Police Service.