The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has imposed significant fines on two truck drivers, including a Brampton resident, following the discovery of a large-scale alcohol smuggling operation.
On July 10, 2023, at the Blue Water Bridge, one of the busiest border crossings between the U.S. and southern Ontario, CBSA officers conducted a routine search of a transport truck. The search revealed over 528 bottles of alcohol hidden from floor to ceiling, utilizing every available space and secured with ratchet straps. The driver, Veerapathira Maniyakaghan, 56, of Brampton, initially declared only one bottle of liquor upon entry into Canada.
Receipts found in the truck indicated the alcohol stash was valued at approximately USD $14,000, which would have incurred over CAD $24,300 in duty fees. As a result of the smuggling attempt, Mr. Maniyakaghan has been fined CAD $30,000 after pleading guilty under the Customs Act.
Later that same day, another truck driver, Senthuran Kandasamy, 36, of Ottawa, was intercepted at the same crossing with 72 bottles of liquor. Mr. Kandasamy had initially declared no alcohol to border officers. He has been fined CAD $7,500 following his guilty plea to smuggling charges.
The CBSA emphasizes the importance of accurate declarations and compliance with customs regulations. “These significant fines reflect our commitment to protecting Canada’s borders and ensuring compliance with our customs laws,” said a CBSA spokesperson.
The agency continues to work diligently to prevent illegal smuggling activities and to safeguard the integrity of Canada’s borders.