A Calgary resident is set to appear in Lethbridge court in early May to face charges connected to a drug bust at the Coutts border crossing.
The Alberta RCMP says on March 8, Canada Border Services Agency officers found and confiscated roughly 108 kilograms of cocaine after a secondary inspection of a commercial transport vehicle.
Officials say the vehicle’s load came from the United States.
A criminal investigation was launched by the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, with 26-year-old Arshdeep Singh arrested and charged with the following:
- 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 be in Lethbridge Provincial Court on May 7.
“Stopping dangerous drugs from coming into Canada is part of the CBSA’s commitment to keeping our communities and our streets safe,” says Ben Tame, director of the CBSA Southern Alberta and Southern Saskatchewan District.
“This significant seizure demonstrates the important work being done by our border services officers as we continue to secure and protect our border alongside our law enforcement partners, the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service.”
“This successful operation highlights the importance of a strong and secure border as well as the teamwork and shared intelligence required to protect the public from the devastating impacts of illicit drugs,” adds Supt. Sean Boser, Officer in Charge of Federal Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity – Alberta, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region.
The Integrated Border Enforcement Team is a joint operation between the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, the CBSA and the Calgary Police Service.
