The RCMP has arrested and charged two people, including a Canada Border Services Agency officer stationed at the Queenston-Lewiston entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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An investigation began after the CBSA shared information with the RCMP concerning a border services officer.
It was alleged the officer did not follow CBSA policy and allowed a transport truck and trailer into Canada that allegedly contained millions of dollars worth of opium, cannabis products, and tobacco.
Following an investigation, Daniel Notarianni was arrested in January, RCMP said. The driver of the transport truck, Abhishek Abhishek, was also arrested.
The RCMP said a search warrant pertaining to Notarianni was executed on March 6.
Both accused face drug charges
They were each charged with conspiracy to import controlled substances, trafficking a controlled substance, importation of controlled substances, transportation and possession of tobacco for the purpose of sale, and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and distribution of controlled substances.
Both accused appeared at a Welland court earlier this month.
“This investigation highlights the strength of the partnership between the RCMP and the CBSA in maintaining a secure border,” RCMP Central Region Supt. Dale Foote said in a statement .
“When the CBSA brought this information forward, our members were able to respond quickly and carry out a careful, impartial investigation. The charges announced today reflect our commitment to upholding the law with integrity and consistency.”
Anyone who has information related to smuggling, drug importation, trafficking, or possession, or wish to report other criminal activity, please contact RCMP in Ontario at 1-800-387-0020, CBSA Border Watch Line (confidential) at 1-888-502-9060, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).