Integrated Border Enforcement Team charges man in multi-million drug importation investigation

Contributed

The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), a joint force operation between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency and Calgary Police Service, has charged a man for importing cocaine and heroin into Canada.

IBET engaged in an investigation into cross-border drug importation via commercial transport vehicles. As a result of the investigation, IBET seized 38 kg of cocaine and 30 kg of heroin – which has a combined street value of approximately $7 million.

On Oct. 13, 2022, David Phanthikane, 42, a resident of Edmonton, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Phanthikane is scheduled to appear in Edmonton Provincial Court on Nov. 24, 2022.

“These charges are a great example of IBET’s effectiveness to stop illegal drugs at the border and keep our communities safe. The CBSA is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners,” stated Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency.

“The success of this operation is testament to the strength of law enforcement working in partnership to better our communities. Through excellent teamwork, we have been able to remove a substantial supply of drugs that were likely destined to target vulnerable addicted individuals. These are people that feed their supply through crime that impacts our broader communities,” said Acting Supt. Melanie Oncescu, CPS Criminal Operations and Intelligence Division.

IBET’s mandate is to enhance border integrity and security along the shared border, between designated ports of entry, by identifying, investigating and interdicting persons, organizations and goods that are involved in criminal activities.

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