A collaboration between federal agencies has resulted in two Detroiters facing drug charges.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Shiprider unit intercepted a vessel on Monday, coming into Canadian territory from Michigan on Lake St. Clair. A search conducted under the Customs Act by the RCMP and agents from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) uncovered illicit cannabis products, along with a large, undisclosed amount of American cash.
Robbie Smith, 66, and Jason Smith, 36, both from Detroit, have each been charged with four counts of possession of proceeds obtained through crime, plus one count of cannabis importation, and one count of failing to report currency.
Both men were expected to appear via videoconference in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor. These charges have not been proven in court.
"This significant cash seizure highlights the phenomenal working relationship that exists with our law enforcement partners in Ontario and Michigan as well as our joint commitment to secure and protect our international border from those who would exploit it," said RCMP Sergeant Tim Diebel, acting officer in charge of the Windsor-Detroit Shiprider.
Even though recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, it is still illegal to carry it across the international border. Cannabis can only be purchased legally at a licenced retailer, or online through the Ontario Cannabis Store.
Officers from Windsor police, Ontario Provincial Police, and partners from the U.S. also assisted with the investigation, which is still ongoing.
The Canada-US Shiprider is a legislated border security partnership between Canada and the U.S. The purpose of Shiprider is to target cross border criminality, along with other criminal activities on shared waterways.
