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Border agents at YVR uncover $1.25M worth of drugs in suitcases destined for Australia

RCMP's federal crime unit is pursuing several criminal charges against two people.
yvr-drug-bust-aug-28
Left: The 10 kg of methamphetamine seized by CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport on July 27. Right: X-ray imaging of the 14.84 kg of methamphetamine seized by CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport on July 29.

Two people were arrested after nearly 25 kilograms of drugs were found hidden in their suitcases at Vancouver International Airport in late July.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP seized a total of 24.84 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at $1.25 million, hidden in passenger luggage bound for Sydney, Australia, in two separate incidences.

On July 27, CBSA and its detector dog service found 10 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in "false-sided compartments" of two suitcases belonging to a Canadian citizen.

In a separate incident on July 29, an additional 14.84 kilograms of methamphetamine were found during an inspection, hidden in four vacuum-sealed packages, and wrapped in clothing in another Canadian citizen's suitcase.

Both travellers were arrested and taken into custody by the RCMP's Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit.

Investigations are ongoing, and the RCMP's federal crime unit is pursuing multiple criminal charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

"Our agency is combatting the smuggling of illegal drugs at our border and disrupting crime networks," said Nina Patel, regional director general with the Pacific region CBSA.

"These seizures demonstrate the diligence and detection capabilities of our border services officers and the important role of our intelligence operations in intercepting illegal and harmful substances."

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