Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), a joint force operation between the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Calgary Police Service, has charged a Calgary resident for drug importation and trafficking.
On Nov. 19, 2023, CBSA officers discovered and seized 52 kg of cocaine following a secondary examination of a commercial truck trailer at the Coutts border crossing. The drugs, which have an approximate value of $3 million, were seized from the trailer and were referred over to IBET for further investigation.
Kamalpreet Singh, 28, 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 Acts; and,
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and,
- Smuggling into Canada contrary to section 159(1) of the Customs Act.
Singh is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Jan. 2, 2024.
“As a result of the strong working relationship between agencies in this joint force operation, we successfully disrupted the importation and trafficking of harmful drugs into Canada.”
- Supt. Sean Boser, Officer-in-Charge of Federal Policing – Calgary, RCMP
“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we’re reducing the risk of harm to Canadians and keeping our communities safe. This seizure is another example of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA and the RCMP in protecting Canadians.”
- Janalee BellBoychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency
“As law enforcement agencies, a top priority of our collaboration is public safety. Working together, we have prevented another large quantity of illicit drugs from reaching our city and communities across Alberta, which in turn has prevented criminal activity associated with the drug trade. This continued success proves how important our partnership is to maintaining safety for all Albertans.”
- Supt. Cory Dayley, Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division, Calgary Police Service
IBET’s 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.