| Seized cocaine |
Several border agents were caught working with drug smugglers to allow imports of dangerous substances into the country, according to police in Canada.
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigation, working in partnership with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has led to charges against two Canada Border Services Officers stationed at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The alleged offenses include Breach of Trust, Conspiracy to Import a Schedule I Substance, and Importation of a Schedule I Substance.
It is alleged that Canada Border Service Officers Patrick Ruddy and Brano Andrews, committed offenses of Breach of Trust and Controlled Drug and Substances Act Offences by facilitating the importation of cocaine through Canada’s busiest airport.
The investigation also identified Roberto Leyva, Keith Hamid and Rennie Escoffery, as being involved in the alleged Conspiracy to Import Cocaine and the Importation of Cocaine utilizing the Toronto Pearson International Airport as their destination point.
The one and a half year joint investigation led to the coordinated seizures of cocaine shipped from Colombia and Jamaica, destined for Toronto, Ontario.
The RCMP alleged that this group was responsible for the importation of over 30 kilos of cocaine.
RCMP investigators arrested and charged: Patrick Ruddy, 37, from Toronto, Ontario, with Breach Of Trust by Public Officer, Conspiracy to Import in a Schedule I Controlled Substance,
and Importing a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Brano Andrews, 41, from Barrie, Ontario was charged with Breach Of Trust by Public Officer, Conspiracy to Import in a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and Importing a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Roberto Leyva, 32, from Niagara Falls, Ontario, was charged with Conspiracy to Import in a Schedule I Controlled Substance,
And Importing a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Keith Hamid, 41, from Brampton, Ontario, was charged with Conspiracy to Import in a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and Importing a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Rennie Escoffery, 57, from Brampton, Ontario, was charged with Conspiracy to Import in a Schedule I Controlled Substance.