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45 kg of Cocaine Seized in a Warehouse on Trans-Canada Highway in Montréal Five Individuals Arrested
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Montréal, Tuesday, November 24, 2009- Last Thursday, as a result of intelligence gathered against an active organized crime network, members of the RCMP Airport Federal Investigation Section (AFIS) and National Port Enforcement Team (NPET) with officers of the Montreal Police Service arrested five individuals accused of attempting to smuggle drugs by container. Approximately 45 kilos of cocaine were seized. The drugs were concealed in a shipment of fruits from Costa Rica. The five alleged members of this network were arrested and charged.
The investigation revealed that this known Montréal-based drug importation ring had been planning to import cocaine into Canada for some time.
The investigation which was a joint effort by the RCMP and the Montréal Police Service, in co‑operation with Canada Border Services Agency, established that the container which was suspected of containing the drugs had been concealed in a fruit importation business located on Trans-Canada Highway in Montréal. A quick intervention by police resulted in the arrest of the individuals involved, who were caught as they were loading boxes containing the drugs in a van.
The accused are:
- Christopher Gillespie, 49
- Jean-René Lafleur, 42
- Darrell Key, 47
- Peter Danielidis, 50
- George Nikolopoulous, 48
They face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. They are charged with drug importation, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to import drugs. The investigation continues and could lead to more arrests and charges.
Anyone with information on individuals believed to be involved in illegal activities related to drug importation by container is invited to contact the RCMP at 1-800-771-5401. All information will be kept confidential.
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For information:
Communications Office
Montréal: 514-939-8308
