Largest ever opium seizure by border agency, worth estimated $50M, made at Port of Vancouver

The Canada Border Service Agency says a seizure of almost2,500 kilograms of opium at the Port of Vancouver is the largest in the agency's history.

The drugs were discovered hidden inside the footings of a large numberof blue shipping pallets. According to the CBSA, officers noticed irregularities in the pallets and used X-ray technology to detect the drugs.

In total, 2,486kilograms of opium was found hidden in 247 pallets.The RCMP puts the estimated street value of the drug at more than $50 million.

Theoperation started on Oct.25 whentheCBSA's Metro Vancouver Marine Operations unit began examining goods from 19 marine containers.

Nina Patel, CBSA regional director, said the search was triggered by theCBSAIntelligence Service and theRCMP.

"The interception of this shipment and this record-breaking seizure of opium demonstrates the CBSA commitment to keeping our communities safe," said Patel.

The opium was turned over to the RCMPFederal Serious and Organized Crime unit. Noarrests have been made.

Opium comes from the immature seed pods of the opium poppy. Itcan be used as a narcotic in its raw form or processed to make heroin and other drugs.