An investigation carried out jointly by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resulted in the apprehension of three individuals residing in Scarborough. This came after authorities intercepted a package from Belgium that contained 5.59 kilograms of ketamine.
The CBSA officers in Montreal discovered the package on Aug. 28, which was discreetly packaged and headed for an address in Scarborough. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $225,000.
Following the interception, the RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment launched an inquiry that pinpointed suspected drug importers in Scarborough. As a result, three individuals were taken into custody, leading to a search at their residence where more illicit substances in powder and pill forms were found.
In addition to the drugs, the officers confiscated drug-related items, a handgun, stun batons, electronic gadgets, and a Lexus SUV.
Health Canada has cautioned about the harmful effects of ketamine misuse, which can include hallucinations, memory loss, impaired motor skills, and lasting damage to the bladder and kidneys. The drug is commonly distributed illegally in powder or pill form and has been associated with addiction and psychological dependence cases.
Braden Van Nguyen, 21, is facing multiple charges such as importing a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy, and various firearm-related offenses.
Qihang Lin, 21, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, conspiracy, possession of a prohibited weapon, and disrupting radio communications using a cell phone jammer. Xuanran Zhang, 22, is up against similar trafficking, conspiracy, and prohibited weapon charges as Lin.
Lin and Zhang have been granted bail under strict terms, while Nguyen remains in custody and is set to appear in court on Oct. 20.
“This seizure exemplifies the numerous ways criminals are trying to smuggle illegal drugs into Canada from across the globe, showcasing the rising exploitation of courier and postal services for drug trafficking,” remarked RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment Inspector John McMath. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of CBSA and RCMP investigators, a large quantity of harmful drugs has been kept out of our communities.”

