Why it matters: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested an American driver at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, Canada, on May 2, after he attempted to cross the border with just under 400 pounds of cannabis and over $602,985 in his vehicle. The CBSA and RCMP seized the drugs and cash, with the driver still in custody.
What they are saying: The CBSA and the RCMP applauded the seizure, with the Safety and Security Minister, Marco Mendicino, saying it demonstrated the importance of stopping illicit contraband from entering communities. Specifically, the driver is being charged with possession for distribution of cannabis, importing the substance and possession of property over $5,000 knowing it was obtained by crime in the US.
The big picture: With the laws on cannabis differing vastly between states, the line between legal business and illegal activities in the sector can be a murky one. Additionally, the use of GPS automation, demonstrated in this case, can lead to serious consequences if the technology malfunctions or if human error is incorrectly inputting data.
What to watch: With the CBSA and RCMP continuing to work together, it is possible that this could be one of many future seizures as the Canadian authorities seek to keep its borders safe from criminal activity.
My take: This situation underlines the need for coordinated efforts between countries and law enforcement in tackling contraband smuggling. There is concern that the rise of automated technology could lead to an increase in errors and innocent mistakes, leading to problems such as the one seen in this case.
