$4.6M in ‘lethal drug’ seized in 4 busts at Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga

Some $4.6 million in a lethal drug that has caused “many deaths in Canada” was seized by border officers in four separate busts over two weeks at Toronto Pearson Airport in Mississauga.

Four people have been charged by the RCMP in connection with the incidents, which occurred between Feb. 18 and March 3. In all cases, amounts of ketamine, described by authorities as a dangerous anesthetic, were found inside luggage belonging to travellers who had arrived at Pearson on flights from Europe, the Canada Border Services Agency said in a news release on Thursday.

The total amount of suspected ketamine seized was 154 kilograms, worth an estimated $4.6 million on the street, officials said.

Border officials added the drugs were uncovered during baggage examinations and seized by the CBSA.

The RCMP subsequently charged four people — three from the Greater Toronto Area and one from Montreal.

Officials describe ketamine as an odorless and colourless drug used as a medical anesthetic in liquid form. However, it’s often illicitly sold in powder form, authorities say.

“There are several mental, physical and long-term effects associated with taking ketamine. When taken, it can distort how an individual experiences sight and sound, and interferes with one’s ability to perceive pain. Due to these effects, it can sometimes be used to commit sexual assault,” the CBSA said, adding “ketamine is a lethal substance that poses a significant risk to the safety of Canadians.”

RCMP Insp. John McMath, officer in charge of the airport detachment, said ketamine “is a strong anesthetic and it’s use has been the cause of many deaths in Canada. The RCMP is acting to protect Canadians from dangerous drugs that harm our communities. The importation of a narcotic like ketamine is a serious offence … and a conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.”

Charged with importing a controlled substance into Canada are:

• Alison Louise Olmes, 63, of Caledon
• Courtney Linda Johanne Desbois, 27, of Toronto
• Lamia Hamici, 40, of Montreal
• Britney Carolyn Allen, 32, of Whitby

All accused have been released on an undertaking and are scheduled to appear in Brampton court next Wednesday and on April 9.

(Cover photo: Canada Border Services Agency)