3 Toronto-area residents arrested after $225,000 in drugs intercepted from Belgium

The RCMP logo is seen outside the force's 'E' division headquarters in Surrey, B.C., on Thursday, March 16, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Three Scarborough, Ont., residents have been arrested after a joint investigation between the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) led to the interception of a drug shipment from Belgium earlier this year.

In a post to social media, officials say the CBSA in Montreal discovered a package on Aug. 28 containing 5.59 kilograms of concealed ketamine, which police describe as “a dangerous anesthetic drug with an approximate street value of nearly $225,000.”

The package was then turned over to the RCMP before reaching its intended destination in Scarborough.

The RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment launched an investigation that led to the arrest of three Scarborough residents believed to be connected to the shipment.

Police say a search warrant executed at the suspects’ home resulted in the seizure of additional illicit substances in both powder and pill form. In addition to the drugs, police say they seized a handgun, stun batons, drug paraphernalia, electronic devices, and a Lexus SUV.

Among the accused is 21-year-old Braden Van Nguyen, 21-year-old Qihang Lin and 22-year-old Xuanran Zhang.

The three individuals are facing a combined total of 16 charges including possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of a prohibited weapon among other charges.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Police say Nguyen remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 20, while Lin and Zhang have been released on bail with conditions.

“This seizure is just one example of the many ways that criminals are attempting to import illegal drugs from around the world,” said Inspt. John McMath, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts from CBSA and RCMP investigators, a large quantity of dangerous drugs has been prevented from reaching our communities.”

There is no word on any outstanding suspects at this time.