Canadian Woman Arrested for Smuggling $248,000 Worth of Cannabis on Flight to England
A 26-year-old woman has been arrested for attempting to smuggle 62 kilograms of cannabis, valued at $248,000, on a flight from Toronto to London, England, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The arrest occurred on October 23, after officers with the Canada Border Services Agency discovered the concealed drugs in the woman’s suitcase. Canadian airlines typically allow up to 23 kilograms of checked luggage, with anything over that considered overweight.
The woman, identified as Justyne Carmen Burger-Samules, has been charged with exportation of cannabis in violation of the Cannabis Act. Despite cannabis being decriminalized in Canada, it remains illegal to carry any amount on international flights.
“The penalties for cannabis importation in the UK can be severe, with up to 14 years in prison,” said RCMP Inspector John McMath. “This arrest serves as a reminder that those attempting to smuggle cannabis face serious criminal charges.”
Police are urging anyone with information about drug smuggling or trafficking to come forward.