A Winnipeg woman and a BC man are facing numerous drug trafficking related charges after recently being arrested by police in connection to an opium seizure.
On September 17, 2013, the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit were advised that a parcel had been seized by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the Montreal Mail Procession Centre containing opium. An investigation commenced with the assistance of CBSA.
Opium seized by the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit was concealed in a wooden picture.
RCMP report that on September 25, 2013, two suspects were arrested in Winnipeg. They are identified as 47-year-old Hussein Khalilzadeh Nikbin, also known as Kevin Anderson of Burnaby, BC and 45-year-old Patricia Louise Gauthier of Winnipeg.
Hussein Khalilzadeh Nikbin has been charged with possession of opium for the purpose of trafficking, importation of opium, conspiracy to import opium, and conspiracy to traffic opium. He has been remanded in custody to appear in Winnipeg court on September 27, 2013.
Patricia Louise Gauthier has been charged with possession of opium for the purpose of trafficking, importation of opium, conspiracy to import opium, and conspiracy to traffic opium. She has also been remanded in custody to appear in Winnipeg court on September 27, 2013.
Police say that the package seized contained about eight hundred grams of opium concealed in a wooden picture. It was learned that the parcel originated from Turkey and although the package was destined to a Winnipeg residence, investigators believe it was not its intended final destination.
The investigation continues to determine if this seizure is linked to organized crime.
