CBSA seizure of suspected cocaine at Blue Water Bridge leads to criminal charges by the RCMP

POINT EDWARD, ON, Aug. 13, 2021 /CNW/ - Canada Border Services Agency / Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) -  Southern Ontario Region and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) -  Border Integrity Team are committed to safeguarding our country and keeping contraband goods, such as narcotics, from reaching our communities.

On August 9, 2021, a commercial truck driven by an Ontario resident entered Canada at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward, Ontario, and was referred for a secondary inspection. During the examination, border services officers discovered and seized approximately 83 kg of suspected cocaine.

The CBSA arrested Gurdeep Singh Mangat and transferred him and the suspected cocaine to the custody of RCMP officers from the Border Integrity Unit, Windsor Detachment, who are conducting the investigation. 

The RCMP charged 46-year-old Mangat of Brampton, Ontario with:

• Importation of a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Mangat's next scheduled court day is on August 19, 2021 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia. The investigation is ongoing.

The RCMP wishes to recognize the invaluable assistance provided by the Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police at the onset of this investigation.  

Quotes

"We are proud of our officers at the front line who work tirelessly to protect Canadians and keep drugs out of our communities. This seizure is another example of the ongoing cooperation that exists between the CBSA and the RCMP."
- An Nguyen, District Director, St. Clair District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency

"I commend the CBSA and our RCMP officers who once again, through a joint effort contributed to keeping our communities safe. This collaboration demonstrates our continued commitment in working together to effectively disrupt the drug trade."
- Inspector Rae Groff, Acting Officer in Charge, RCMP Border Integrity Program, O Division

Quick Facts

• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
• Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police