The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and RCMP recently announced charges laid against a Winnipeg man for alleged importation of fentanyl.
On July 25, CBSA officers at the Vancouver International Mail Centre intercepted 39 grams of fentanyl in a parcel originating from China and destined to a Winnipeg address. The parcel was declared as documents, but upon inspecting it, officers discovered a white substance that was later confirmed to be fentanyl by CBSA lab analysis.
CBSA officers turned the fentanyl over to RCMP “D” Division for investigation and on August 5, 2016, the RCMP and the CBSA conducted a joint operation in Winnipeg that resulted in the arrest of 21-year-old Jayden Obireck-Becker of Winnipeg. RCMP have since charged Obireck-Becker with importation and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and with possession of a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code.
“Fentanyl continues to pose a significant threat to public safety,” said Tim Olmstead, Inspector, Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit, RCMP “D” Division. “Inter-agency cooperation, as seen in this investigation, is the key to keeping Canadians safe from the dangers of fentanyl. The RCMP remains committed to working with all stakeholders to reduce the supply, demand, and harm of this dangerous drug.”
The CBSA notes that the quantity of fentanyl seized could have produced up to 400 doses. From January 1, 2010 to March 31, 2016, the CBSA recorded 84 seizures of fentanyl.
Obireck-Becker is scheduled to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on September 8, 2016.
