After taking the wrong path and arriving at the Canadian border with a large amount of cannabis and more than $600,000 in his car, a 60-year-old American driver was taken into custody last week, according to law enforcement officials.
In a press release, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police claimed that Andrew Lee Toppenberg accidentally found himself in the line at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, Ontario, after mistakingly following GPS coordinates that had been entered incorrectly.
According to authorities, Toppenberg, of Tustin, California, was submitted to an inspection since he did not have his passport with him.
Officials from the Canadian border discovered 181 kilos (399 pounds) of cannabis, which the police estimated to be worth between $269,775 and $539,552 in US dollars. The news announcement stated that they also discovered approximately $600,000 inside the car.
The cannabis was placed in vacuum-sealed containers, while the cash was divided into bundles and hidden in a safe, suitcase, and locked case, according to the police. The drugs and money were found all over the car.
Police charged Toppenberg on the concern of possession of drugs and importation as well as possession of more than $5,000 with the understanding that all or a portion of the proceeds had been acquired through the criminal activity because they claimed the packaging resembled the kinds of containers that drug dealers or money launderers would use.
According to the news release, Toppenberg made an appearance in court on Monday in Ontario and is still being held.
Jeff Walters, the director of Niagara District Operations for Canada's Border Services Agency, said in a statement: "The CBSA is extremely proud of the diligence shown by our officers. Their hard work has a profound impact on continually ensuring public safety at our borders."
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
