Edmonton resident charged with drug importation

Posted on August 7, 2025 by admin

Canada Border Services Agency

On July 28, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Coutts port of entry were conducting a secondary examination of a commercial truck seeking entry into Canada from the United States. During the search, CBSA border services officers found a duffle bag containing nearly 67 kg of cocaine, and the driver was subsequently arrested.

 The Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) in Alberta, a joint force operation between the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, CBSA and Calgary Police Service, was notified, and a criminal investigation was initiated into the driver and the seized drugs.

Trieu Thanh Ngoc Le (49), a resident of Edmonton, was arrested and charged with:

• Importing a controlled substance contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and,

• Smuggling into Canada contrary to section 159 of the Customs Act.

Le was scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lethbridge on July 31.

“This seizure at the Coutts port of entry demonstrates the effectiveness of CBSA’s detection capabilities and the important role our officers play to keep our communities safe. We remain committed to securing and protecting our border alongside our law enforcement partners,” said Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency.