Driving almost 400 pounds of illicit marijuana and more than half a million dollars straight into the U.S.-Canada border crossing would be a scenario you’d want to avoid at all costs.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) published a press statement on June 5, notifying that an American driver was detained while attempting to navigate the border with approximately 400 pounds of marijuana and over $602,985 in his vehicle, at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, Canada.
The authorities reported that the man was trying to use GPS coordinates but accidentally entered the U.S.-Canadian port of entry, as per Insauga coverage.
Andrew Lee Toppenberg, a 60-year-old resident of Tustin, California, was transporting a substantial cannabis cargo on May 2. According to police, he was tracking GPS coordinates that were erroneously entered, which caused him to deviate from his route and land at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Rainbow Bridge border entry point in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Given that Toppenberg didn’t have a passport, he was directed for a secondary examination, a dreaded process. In the course of this inspection, CBSA officers uncovered a massive haul of marijuana, valued between C$362,000 and C$724,000, and over $600,000 USD dollars (C$816,167). The outlook for the driver is unfavorable. CBSA officers swiftly apprehended the driver and confiscated the money and marijuana. His case was subsequently passed to the RCMP Niagara on the Lake Federal Policing Border Integrity Team (RCMP BI).
“Our government prioritizes the safety and security of Canadians,” stated The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety. “This confiscation highlights the vital part both CBSA and RCMP play in preventing illegal contraband from infiltrating our communities. Excellent job by both agencies.”
In detail, Toppenberg is accused of cannabis possession for the intent of distribution, violating s.9(2) of the Cannabis Act; importing 181 kg (399 lbs) of cannabis, breaching s.11(1) of the Cannabis Act; and possession of property proceeds over five thousand dollars, knowing that all or part of the proceeds were derived from a crime in the United States of America, contrary to s.354(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.
The CBSA and RCMP praised the seizure.
“Through our collaboration, the CBSA and RCMP continue to achieve successful outcomes in safeguarding Canada’s borders,” said Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, RCMP O Division, OIC Border Integrity. “This confiscation of cash and illicit goods is another instance of how our joint efforts are protecting Ontario citizens from criminal endeavors.”
“The CBSA commends the alertness exhibited by our officers,” stated Jeff Walters, Director, Niagara District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency. “Their dedication has a significant influence on continuously preserving public safety at our borders.”
If Toppenberg were caught under the U.S. penalties for such quantity, the least possible sentence would be a minimum of five years in jail. If death or severe physical injury was involved, at least 20 years of imprisonment would be imposed.
Toppenberg was presented before a Justice on May 5, 2023, at the Robert S.K Welch Court in St. Catharines, Ontario, and was taken into custody, where he currently remains. His forthcoming court date is yet to be arranged. For more information about recent contraband statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
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