Canadian authorities have apprehended and pressed charges against two individuals for allegedly luring women through online classified ads to traffic illegal drugs out of the country.
A rigorous investigation conducted jointly by the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency was initiated in April 2025 after the arrest of two women in Nigeria for their involvement in attempting to smuggle cannabis. Over a span of nine months, authorities managed to thwart an operation aiming to transport 29 kilograms of cannabis out of Canada via Toronto Pearson Airport.
The women fell victim to enticing ads on the classifieds platform “LeoList,” offering sizable sums of up to $20,000 in exchange for transporting drugs in and out of Canada.
Upon the culmination of the inquiry, the authorities arrested Charles Adewoye, 48, from Toronto, and Shamaarke Jafar Ismail, 25, from the United Kingdom. Adewoye faces charges related to exporting cannabis and conspiring to commit a criminal offense, while Ismail was charged with possessing cannabis for exportation, conspiracy to commit a crime, and resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Both individuals have been released on bail and are set to appear in court on January 16, 2025.
“This investigation highlights the crucial role of proactive law enforcement in identifying and dismantling criminal enterprises that exploit vulnerable individuals,” stated Dale Foote, superintendent of federal policing and Central Region Border Integrity. “The recruitment of unsuspecting members of the community for nefarious activities is alarming, and we are dedicated to pursuing those involved in such actions.”
“Organized crime preys on the vulnerable,” remarked Lisa Janes, regional director general of the CBSA’s GTA detachment. “This case vividly illustrates the true consequences of engaging in criminal behavior.”
“The CBSA collaborates closely with domestic and international law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal activities, fortify Canada’s border, and thwart those who seek to jeopardize our communities,” Janes emphasized. “Information sharing with our partners is paramount for border security and plays a vital role in combating the global menace of organized crime networks spanning multiple countries.”