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Man Arrested in Relation to the Importation of 343 kilos of Cocaine Concealed in Ceramic Tiles
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Montréal, Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 – This morning, as a result of a short investigation, officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Drug Section arrested Michel Safar, a 47-year-old Montréal business man, for the alleged possession for the purpose of trafficking of 343 kilos of cocaine originating from Venezuela.
On November 9, 2009, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) targeted a container at the Port of Halifax because of anomalies. There were 647 cases of ceramic tiles in the container in question, that was destined for the Montréal area. CBSA officers examined the content and discovered cocaine concealed in the hollowed portion of ceramic tiles.
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Cocaine was concealed in the hollowed portion of ceramic tiles.Photos: CBSA Halifax
Following a preliminary investigation by the Halifax RCMP National Port Enforcement Team (NPET), the case was handed over to the Montréal RCMP Drug Section. The preliminary information obtained in the investigation identified Michel Safar, owner of a renovation company, as being involved in this case. In December 2009, a search was conducted at Safar’s business. Evidence seized during the search helped further the investigation and led to this morning’s arrest.
Charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act were filed against Safar. He should appear in court in Montréal tomorrow. The investigation is still ongoing to identify other individuals who could be involved in this import attempt.
The partners in this morning’s operation will continue their efforts to reduce drug trafficking in Canada and disrupt the illicit activities of organized crime groups.
The RCMP would like to remind that illegal drug trafficking is a global, borderless phenomenon with serious economic and social effects. The RCMP will continue its efforts to reduce drug trafficking in Canada and disrupt organized crime groups by dismantling the infrastructure of these organizations and undermining their ability to use our communities to engage in criminal activity.
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