July 27, 2023 Emerson, Manitoba Canada Border Services Agency/Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to safeguarding our country and keeping illegal and dangerous drugs from reaching our communities.
On July 14, 2023, CBSA officers discovered and seized over 63 kg of suspected cocaine following the examination of a commercial truck at the Emerson port of entry in southern Manitoba. A skilled CBSA Detector Dog Services team assisted with the search and discovery of the suspected narcotics. The approximate street value of the suspected seized drugs is $6,000,000 CAD - this is the largest CBSA narcotics seizure at any Manitoba port of entry in the last five years.
Varinder Kaushik, a resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was arrested by the CBSA and taken into custody by the Manitoba RCMP, along with the suspected narcotics.
On July 14, 2023, the RCMP charged the 31-year old driver with the following offences:
· Importation of a Controlled Substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
· Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Kaushik appeared in a Winnipeg Federal Court on July 19, 2023 and was released on conditions.
