CBSA again seize large quantity of cannabis destined for UK

| Morton Robertson

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) found approximately 62 kilograms of concealed cannabis in an outbound baggage examination on October 23, destined for London, UK.

The CBSA shared the info in a press release on November 25. The traveller, Justyne Burger-Samueles (26), was charged with Export contrary to section 11(2) of the Cannabis Act and will appear in court on December 5, 2024.

Police give an estimated value of the drugs as approximately CAD$248,000. The penalty for cannabis importation in the UK can be up to 14 years in prison.

“The CBSA remains committed to stopping the illegitimate flow of cannabis across our borders,” said Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Greater Toronto Area Region. “This seizure is another great example of our work in disrupting illegal cross-border activity and our partnership with the RCMP.” 

Such seizures have become more common in recent months. In a media release on November 19, the RCMP and CBSA say the Canada Border Services Agency found approximately 40 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside luggage destined for London. Police say this was worth CAD$120,000.

RCMP arrested Zubir Mahida (21 yrs.) with Export contrary to section 11(2) of the Cannabis Act. Zubir Mahida appeared for a hearing and was released on an undertaking to appear in Brampton court on November 28, 2024.

Two Chinese nationals were recently jailed in the UK for importing cannabis from Canada as part of what authorities said was a  “significant criminal enterprise.” The two students allegedly recruited other students to receive packages of cannabis at student housing in the city.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) found approximately 40 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside the luggage of a man scheduled to fly to London, UK, on October 21. 

Earlier this year, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized 140 pounds of cannabis at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport destined for the UK. In January, the CBSA intercepted 310 kg of cannabis in a container exported from Canada to the UK at Montréal Marine and Rail Services.

In September, four Canadians were caught trying to bring cannabis into the UK. On October 29, 2024, CBSA officers intercepted a package containing 171.5 kg of dried cannabis being exported to Belgium at the Montréal Trudeau airport.

A post from November 21 on the CBSA’s Youtube account says 347 kg of cannabis and one kilogram of hash were seized at the Port of Halifax in October, and 51 kilograms of cannabis from the Vancouver Airport. The destinations of those seizures were not provided.

Featured image shows 44 kg of cannabis recently seized by CBSA.


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