RCMP seize nearly half-tonne of cannabis products after stopping semi-trailer

RCMPofficers conducting aroutine roadside stopin Manitoba last weekend seizeda massive shipment of illegal cannabis products, police said Friday.

On July 20, a semitrailer was travelling to southern Ontario from Agassiz, B.C., on the Trans-Canada Highway when officers pulled it over nearWestHawk Lake, about 140kilometres east of Winnipeg,to inspect the driver'spaperwork.

The inspection yielded a number of "discrepancies," Sgt. ScottMcMurchysaid at a news conference, with stacks of packaged marijuana on a table beside him.

Several officers examined the trailerand discovered the illegal cannabis420 kilogramsof marijuana, as well as 75 kilos of shatter oils (concentrated cannabis extract), ediblesand other products hidden among a load of food.

"This seizure is the largest marijuana seizure through a traffic stop in Canada since 2015," McMurchy said.

Here's a video of the entire drug seizure:

RCMP massive drug seizure

6 years ago

Duration 0:56

A routine roadside stop leads to the largest marijuana seizure in Canada since 2015.

The driver of the truck has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking an illicit substance. He has been released pending a future court date.

McMurchy said investigators are still working to determine the final destination for the cannabis, which was vacuum sealed and professionally packaged.

RCMPtypically do not give estimated street value of drugs seized because prices vary across the country.

Thoughnew legislation legalizing the sale of cannabiscomes into effect in October, McMurchysaid a seizure of this nature will remain illegal.

"It has beenproduced illegally. There is no way to know the origin of it, the potency without having it tested, or any risk of contamination."

While much of the goods seized the dried cannabiscan be purchased legally this fall from sanctioned producers, edibles will remain illegal nationwide.People can bake and eat them on their own, however.

Winnipeg cannabis advocate Steven Stairs believes it'sa matter of time until edibles alsobecome legal, as there is a growing market for people preferring to ingesttheir buzz in a discreet snack, rather than smoking it.