A suspect has been arrested in connection to attempted drug smuggling at the Coutts border crossign on April 9, 2023. (Photo: Canada Border Services Agency)

By David Opinko

Border officers seize 30 kg of suspected narcotics at Coutts

May 2, 2023 | 9:42 AM

COUTTS, AB – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said a suspect is behind bars following an attempt to enter Canada.

The CBSA reported that, on April 9, 2023, a commercial truck attempted to go through the Coutts border crossing and was pulled aside for a secondary examination.

Officers alleged to have found approximately 30 kilograms of suspected cocaine inside of the vehicle, as well as 5.7 grams of suspected opium.

According to the CBSA, the vehicle was travelling from the U.S.A. to Calgary.

The driver was arrested by the CBSA and taken into custody by the Alberta RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Unit.

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Brad Wozny, CBSA Regional Director General for the Prairie Region, said, “We are proud of the work our border officers do to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Canadians. I want to thank CBSA employees for their continued quick and decisive action and for their ongoing efforts to protect our country from illegal drugs.”

A 35-year-old suspect, Varun Sharma of Ontario, is charged with one count each of importation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and smuggling into Canada.

Sharma is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on May 26, 2023.

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