A joint operation done through the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) between the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Calgary police has charged a man with allegedly importing cocaine into Canada. .“I cannot overstate the contributions of each law enforcement partner represented in IBET,” said RCMP Supt. Sean Boser in a Tuesday press release. .“Together, we successfully prevented harmful drugs from entering Canada and harming our communities.” .The release said CBSA officers discovered and seized 53 kg of cocaine following a secondary examination of a commercial transportation vehicle at the Coutts, AB, border crossing on November 21. It said the drugs, which have a street value of $5.3 million, were hidden with a shipment of produce and have been referred to IBET for further investigation. .Calgary resident Jagroop Singh, 25, was charged with importation of a controlled substance contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5 (2) of the CDSA on November 22. .CBSA Prairie Region Regional Director General Brad Wozny called the safety and security of Canadians “our government’s top priority.” .“By stopping illegal drugs at the border, we are keeping our communities safe,” said Wozny. .“This seizure is another great example of the ongoing cooperation between the CBSA, the RCMP, and the Calgary Police Service in securing our borders.” .Singh is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Tuesday. .“Anytime a significant seizure like this is taken off our streets is a win for the communities we all work in partnership to protect,” said Calgary police Acting Supt. Melanie Oncescu. .An investigation by IBET led to a man being charged for allegedly importing $7 million of cocaine and heroin into Canada on Thursday. .READ MORE: RCMP, border security charge Edmonton man for alleged multimillion dollar drug importation.“This complex investigation, which spanned several months, is a great demonstration on the importance of collaboration between agencies,” said Boser. .“Investigators were able to prevent 68 kg of cocaine and heroin from impacting Alberta’s communities and potentially saving lives.”
