A Calgary man is facing charges after Canadian border officials say he tried to smuggle $7 million worth of cocaine across the border.
On Sept. 25, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Coutts crossing found nearly 77 kilograms of cocaine during a secondary check of a commercial truck. The vehicle was coming from the U.S., trying to cross into Canada.
The 28-year-old Calgarian driving the truck was arrested.
Surj Singh Salaria has been charged with importation of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and attempting to export goods that are prohibited, controlled, or regulated.
“Through coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, a substantial quantity of cocaine was seized before it could reach communities across Alberta,” said Supt. Sean Boser, Officer in Charge of Federal Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity Alberta, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region. “This investigation reinforces the value of a secure border and the vital role that collaboration and intelligence-sharing play in safeguarding the public from the harms of illegal drug trafficking. ”
He is scheduled to appear in court in Lethbridge on Monday.