An Australia-bound shipment of more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in pickle jars was intercepted by authorities in B.C. earlier this year. Authorities identified two people alleged to be involved in a smuggling scheme in January, and seized 115 kilograms of drugs later that month after inspecting a container at the Tsawwassen shipping facility, the RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region Drugs and Organized Crime Section said in a statement Thursday. The drugs were bound for Melbourne, according to authorities. On March 17, the investigation led to the execution of two search warrants at homes in Australia and the arrest of a 40-year-old man and a 63-year-old man, the statement from police said. Eight one-kilogram silver bars, a luxury vehicle, jewelry and watches $400,000 in cash were among the items seized after the searches, according to the RCMP. The suspects are not named, but both have been charged with drug offences. On the same day in B.C., a foreign national was arrested in Kelowna. The 46-year-old man was released pending further investigation and has been referred to the Canada Border Services Agency for “appropriate immigration enforcement action,” the RCMP’s statement said. In addition, searches were conducted in several B.C. cities, including Abbotsford and Kelowna resulting in the seizure of multiple electronic devices. “Today’s announcement is the direct result of sustained international cooperation and the dedication of law enforcement professionals across multiple countries,” said Tim Arseneault, acting deputy regional commander of the RCMP’s Federal Policing, Pacific Region, in the statement. “Drug trafficking knows no borders, and neither does our drive to confront it. This operation demonstrates that our partnerships are not only strong but growing stronger.” RELATED STORIES:
