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.
The man, 21-year-old Zubir Mahida, arrived at Toronto Pearson International Airport with a scheduled departure flight for the UK. An outbound baggage examination by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) located the approximately 40 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside his luggage.
According to police, the approximate street value of the cannabis that was seized is $120,000, and the maximum sentence for cannabis importation in the UK is up to 14 years in prison.
Zubir Mahida appeared for a hearing and was released on an undertaking to appear in Brampton court on November 28, 2024.
“Reducing the flow of inbound and outbound cannabis is a priority of RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment. Cannabis is decriminalized in Canada but it is illegal to carry any amount of cannabis on international flights and amounts exceeding personal use on domestic flights,” said Inspector John McMath, Officer in Charge, RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment. “This case highlights the fact that if a passenger chooses to smuggle cannabis, serious criminal drug smuggling charges will apply.”
“Although cannabis has been legalized and regulated in Canada, it remains illegal to bring it into or take it out of the country,” added Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Greater Toronto Area Region. The CBSA is dedicated to stopping the illegitimate flow of cannabis into and out of Canada, and we are proud to continue working with the RCMP and other law enforcement partners supporting their efforts in criminal investigations and prosecutions.”
Such seizures are not uncommon. The CBSA reports seizing more than 23,553,038 grams of cannabis products in fiscal year 2023-2024 and 126,210 grams of hash.
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.
The UK has seen a marked increase in seizures of cannabis from countries like Canada, the US, and Thailand in the last few years.
More than half of those arrested in 2023 (71) had flown in from US airports, while 24 came from Canada and another 24 from Thailand. Around half of all arrests (184) so far in 2024 related to cannabis that originated in Thailand, while 75 arrests related to cannabis originating from Canada and 47 to cannabis from the US.
Featured image from a seizure of Canadian cannabis in the UK earlier this year.
