
CBSA seizes over 23kg of Khat at Pearson airport
The Canadian Border Services Agency seized approximately 23 kilograms of the banned stimulant khat at Pearson International Airport earlier this month.
The shipment was sent from the U.K. and was intercepted on July 10, the CBSA said.
Following the seizure, the drugs were turned over to the RCMP.
Khat, otherwise known as Catha Edulis, is a controlled substance in Canada. It is illegal to import or export it. The drug is chewed as a stimulant. It can make people more alert and bring about a feeling of euphoria. According to the Canadian Centre for Addictions, the plant is 'deeply embedded in social gatherings,' in parts of east Africa and the middle east. Consistent use of the drug can lead to addiction and cause anxiety and even psychosis, the Canadian Centre for Addictions warns.
It is not known whether any charges have been laid in connection with the seizure.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CBC
19 minutes ago
- CBC
UBCO researchers create 3D-printed living lung tissue
University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers are hoping their recent findings can help treat various health conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer. They're doing this by creating 3D-printed living lung tissue. Emmanuel Osei, one of the study's lead researchers and an assistant professor at UBCO's biology department, explains the process.


CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Cochrane's fitness efforts earn top Ontario community honour
Cochrane was named Ontario's most active community in the 2025 ParticipACTION challenge, earning $7,500. The town hosted 110 events, prioritizing inclusivity. The Town of Cochrane has been named Ontario's Most Active Community in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, earning $7,500 to support local physical activity and sport initiatives. Welcome to Cochrane An undated promotional photo of the welcome sign for the Town of Cochrane, Ont. (File photo/Town of Cochrane Ontario) The national competition encourages Canadians to get active throughout June. This year saw record-breaking participation, with over 846,000 people engaging in more than 10,000 events across 672 communities. Cochrane stood out in Ontario by mobilizing 18 organizations to host 110 activities, from walking groups to Indigenous games and outdoor yoga sessions. Park Pals - yoga An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in outdoor yoga during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) 'We're proud beyond words,' Cochrane Mayor Peter Politis told CTV News. He credited grassroots efforts, particularly the Park Pals, a local group that advocated for park improvements and organized community fitness initiatives. 'They took it upon themselves to be the difference,' he said. 'This is the icing on the cake of their effort.' Park Pals - scavenger hunt An photo of Cochrane Park Pals and the community participating in a scavenger hunt during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Inclusivity and accessibility key to success Cochrane's recreation department expanded programming to ensure activities were accessible to residents of all ages, abilities and income levels. Partnerships with libraries, food banks and Indigenous centers helped host events like guided nature walks and sensory-friendly activities. 'We want to break down barriers,' said Diana Dampier, ParticipACTION's senior director of projects. 'Cochrane did an amazing job offering low-cost, creative ways to get people moving.' The town's focus on inclusivity aligned with the challenge's goal of supporting equity-denied groups. Since 2019, ParticipACTION has awarded $7 million in grants to make physical activity more accessible nationwide. Northern community builds on active legacy Politis highlighted Cochrane's history of promoting active living, including a free bikeshare program and an 80-kilometre multi-use trail network under development. 'We've embraced being a community that sees the value in engagement,' he said, noting the town's connection to outdoor recreation through snowmobile and ATV trails. Richmond, B.C., claimed the national title and $100,000 grand prize, but Cochrane's win underscores the impact of smaller communities. 'It doesn't matter how big you are,' Politis said. 'Your passion drives outcomes.' Park Pals - Volunteers An photo of Cochrane Park Pals volunteers during the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge in June. (Cochrane Park Pals/Facebook) Health Minister Marjorie Michel also praised the event for fostering 'stronger, healthier communities' nationwide in a news release this week. Looking ahead Dampier encouraged other towns to register early for next year's challenge and prioritize inclusive programming. Cochrane plans to invest its prize money into local initiatives, including a $200,000 park upgrade led by the Park Pals. With files from journalist Lyndsay Aelick


CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Missing Cochrane woman and young daughter surface in B.C.; RCMP search continues
Ashley Bartley, 30, and her four-year-old daughter Marlie Myers were reported missing, Cochrane RCMP say. They haven't been seen since July 12, 2025. (Supplied) A missing Cochrane woman and her young daughter have been spotted in Courtenay, B.C., Mounties say. RCMP are asking for help finding 30-year-old Ashley Bartley and four-year-old Marlie Myers, missing since July 12. Investigators say Bartley was seen at an ATM in Courtenay on July 18. It's believed she is travelling with a man, and they are in a 2017 dark-grey Chevrolet Silverado with Alberta licence plate CTK 2944. The truck is pulling a 2006 white Arctic Fox trailer with B.C. plate WPW65H. Bartley is described as 163 centimetres (5'4') tall and 59 kilograms (130 pounds) with long brown hair and brown eyes. Myers is 91 centimetres (3') tall, between 18 to 20 kilograms (40 to 45 pounds) with curly, dirty-blonde hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call the Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000. Those wishing to remain anonymous can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.