Two Toronto men arrested after getting lost near the Canada/US border

Dec 14 2017, 11:37 pm

A hundred and twenty grams of cocaine and approximately $10,000 were seized at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario after two males got lost near the Canada/US border.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, on November 22, two males in a rental vehicle who were lost near the border made a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge.

In order to avoid crossing into the United States, the two men turned around and returned to Canada by using the NEXUS lane, despite not being NEXUS member.

This resulted in the vehicle being turned to secondary for examination. Upon inspection, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers examined the vehicle and seized approximately 120 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately $10,000 in currency.

The two men were arrested and the RCMP charged the driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old Dean Howlett of Toronto with:

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA)
  • Possession of Proceeds Obtained by Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code
  • Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code and
  • Obstruct Justice, contrary to the Criminal Code

The passenger of the vehicle was 25-year-old Sezar Hermez of Toronto, who was charged with:

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to the CDSA
  • Possession of Proceeds obtained by Crime, contrary to the Criminal Code and
  • Breach of Probation, contrary to the Criminal Code

Both males have been released from custody and will appear in court on December 21 at the St. Catharines courthouse.

“The RCMP is committed to protecting Canadian communities against the threat of illegal drugs. This investigation is another example of the effective partnership that exists between the RCMP and the CBSA which has resulted in the removal of harmful, illegal drugs from our communities,” states Inspector Ann Koenig, Officer in charge of Hamilton Niagara RCMP Detachment.

“This seizure demonstrates that border services officers are committed to protecting our borders. We work in partnership with the RCMP to prevent illegal activity at the border and to keep our communities safe from illicit drugs,” said Jeff Walters, Director, Fort Erie District Operations, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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