A March drug bust in Windsor has led to a months-long probe that involved two arrests and over $13-million in illicit drugs kept off the streets.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) personnel referred a transport truck crossing into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge for secondary inspection on March 4. Agents uncovered a shipment of suspected methamphetamine that weighed about 300 kilograms.
The truck driver was arrested, turned over to the RCMP, then later released.
A portion of the seizure of suspected illicit drugs is shown at the Ambassador Bridge, March 4, 2023. Photo courtesy Canada Border Services Agency.
The CBSA's Windsor Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division then began an in-depth probe with the RCMP's Windsor Border Integrity Unit to find out where the drugs came from and who was spearheading the operation. Authorities identified a 31-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, both from Toronto.
"Since the incident, investigators gathered evidence that led them to believe that [the suspects] were responsible for more than just trafficking in methamphetamine," read a statement from the CBSA. "During the investigation, police observed [the male] arrive at his residence in a moving van. Police stopped the vehicle and arrested [him], finding 120 kilograms of cocaine in the van."
Search warrants were then obtained by the CBSA and RCMP to search the couple's home, where more drugs were found. The seizure included 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of opium, two kilograms of MDMA, and several kilograms of marijuana.
The entire operation resulted in a haul of 520 kilograms of illicit drugs.
Both are charged with importing methamphetamine, conspiracy to import, money laundering, and possession of proceeds obtained through crime.
The man is also charged with possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to sell.
The woman is awaiting a court date while the man is in custody.