Canadian border officer charged after truck carrying drugs allowed into country

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer after a transport truck and trailer containing contraband was allowed into the country.

An investigation began after the agency shared with police information concerning a border services officer.

Following the investigation, Daniel Notarianni, who was employed at the Queenston-Lewiston port of entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was arrested in January.

“When the CBSA brought this information forward, our members were able to respond quickly and carry out a careful, impartial investigation,” said RCMP Superintendent Dale Foote in a statement. “The charges announced today reflect our commitment to upholding the law with integrity and consistency.”

They determined that Notarianni allegedly did not follow CBSA policy and a transport truck and trailer were allowed into Canada containing millions of dollars worth of opium, cannabis products and tobacco.

The transport truck driver, Abhishek Abhishek, was also arrested and charged.

Police executed a warrant for Notarianni’s arrest on March 6, and both he and Abhishek have been charged with offences related to the importing and trafficking of controlled substances.

Notarianni was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, while Abhishek appeared in court last Friday.

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