Charges laid after drug seizure at Calgary International Airport

Jun 2, 2022 | 10:25 AM

CALGARY, AB – A Belgian national has been charged for allegedly trying to import several kilograms of heroin into Canada via commercial airlines.

On May 27, 2022, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Calgary International Airport referred a traveller arriving on a flight from Frankfurt, Germany for a secondary inspection. While investigating the traveller’s luggage, officers say they seized four packages containing five kilograms of suspected heroin concealed within a suitcase.

The CBSA has referred the seized drugs over to the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) for further investigation.

On May 28, 2022, 63-year-old Bernard Lieven J Vandenberghe was arrested and charged with the following offences:

Importation of a Controlled Substance under section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
Smuggling Out of Canada under section 159(2) of the Customs Act.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

Sep 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 23, 2024

Aug 23, 2024

Inspector Germain Leger of the Alberta RCMP IBET said, “this significant seizure and resulting investigation are a testament to the strong partnership the RCMP shares with CBSA and Calgary Police Service.”

“We know that crime has no borders and it is imperative that we continue working with our partners to share information and coordinate enforcement, as needed, to keep Canadians safe from the harms of illegal drugs and crime related to smuggling.”

IBET is comprised of members of the Alberta RCMP. CBSA and the Calgary Police Service.

by Justin Goulet