Latest news with #CannabisAct
Global News
15-07-2025
- Global News
Canadian border agents trumpet major cannabis seizure at N.B. port
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook The Canada Border Services Agency says it has made what's believed to be the largest cannabis seizure on record since 2015. According to the agency, border officers discovered 6,700 kilograms of suspected cannabis, valued at $49.6 million, in a marine container at the Port of Saint John on May 21. The cargo was destined for Scotland. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The CBSA says the drugs were concealed in about 400 boxes inside the container. Photos released by the agency show vacuum-sealed bags of suspected cannabis. 'The quantity seized in this single shipment is three times more than the total amount of cannabis seized by the CBSA across Canada in the previous year,' the CBSA wrote in a Tuesday release. The suspected drugs and evidence have been transferred to the RCMP in New Brunswick for further investigation. Story continues below advertisement 'Although cannabis is legal in Canada, cannabis smuggling supports organized crime and helps fund other illegal activities, such as narcotics and weapons smuggling,' the release added. 'It is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act.'
Cision Canada
14-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Massive cannabis shipment intercepted by the CBSA in Saint John Français
, /CNW/ - Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in Saint John, New Brunswick (NB) recently intercepted a shipment of suspected cannabis that is the largest cannabis seizure on record since 2015. On May 21, 2025, border services officers at the Port of Saint John, with assistance from CBSA intelligence officers in the Greater Toronto Area and Atlantic Regions, examined a marine container destined for export to Scotland, United Kingdom. During this examination, officers uncovered over 6,700 kilograms of suspected cannabis, valued at $49.6 M. The drugs were falsely declared on the documentation provided to the CBSA and were concealed in nearly 400 boxes inside the container. The quantity seized in this single shipment is three times more than the total amount of cannabis seized by the CBSA across Canada in the previous year. The cannabis and all evidence were transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Eastern Region Federal Policing (New Brunswick) for further investigation. The CBSA and the RCMP are securing our borders by collaborating on investigations to prevent illegal drug smuggling and organized crime from threatening the safety and well-being of our communities. Although cannabis is legal in Canada, cannabis smuggling supports organized crime and helps fund other illegal activities, such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. It is often used as an exchange for other illegal drugs being imported into Canada such as cocaine. The trade of contraband cannabis is a major threat to the safety and health of Canadians. It is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act. Quotes "Our government's top priority is the safety and security of Canadians. Illegal cannabis helps fuel transnational organized crime. This seizure demonstrates our continued commitment to fight it and keep our borders strong and secure. I applaud CBSA and RCMP officers for their commitment to securing the border." - The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety "This historic seizure is the result of a unified tactical plan and effective information-sharing among CBSA officers and our law enforcement partners. I am extremely proud of the level of skill, professionalism and hard work of everyone involved in this intelligence-led operation." - Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region "The RCMP continues to work closely with provincial, national, and international law enforcement partners, as well as government entities like CBSA to ensure a coordinated response to reduce the flow of illicit drugs within and outside of Canada. Intelligence sharing and operational engagement with our partners contributes to successful action against the illegal drug trade." Superintendent Germain Leger, Federal Policing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Quick Facts Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available at: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system - CBSA officers at the Container Examination Facility in Saint John are responsible for examining high-risk containers and cargo arriving and leaving Canada by sea via the Port of Saint John. Working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, the CBSA uses data, intelligence, and risk indicators to identify illegal goods transiting the border. The Agency conducts intelligence operations and investigations, to identify and interdict contraband. These activities continue to lead to numerous seizures across the country, and various charges laid under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency enforcement action statistics. If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Cannabis curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Cannabis changes 'harm economy'
Cannabis advocates will hold a mass rally at the Ministry of Public Health on Monday to protest the government's campaign to recriminalise the plant three years after it was removed from the national narcotics list. Dubbed "Operation 7-7", the gathering would "demand answers from the public health minister and push for the right approach to regulate cannabis", organisers posted on the rally's Facebook page. On the agenda is "exposing the monopolisation of cannabis by Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin", after Mr Somsak earlier vowed to allow only the use of medical cannabis once the new regulations are issued. "July 7 is an important starting point. We will camp out at the ministry and take the opportunity to create an action plan. People in the industry all over the country have joined hands to carry out a mission that will continue until the country has a Cannabis Act," wrote cannabis advocate Chokwan "Kitty" Chopaka on her Facebook page on Friday. Thailand's cannabis industry, once hailed as a new economic driver and tourism magnet, is now at a crossroads. The re-listing of cannabis is expected to push tens of thousands of small and local growers and entrepreneurs out of business. The debate also centres on whether the new regulations, being worked on by the Public Health Ministry, can truly prevent irresponsible sales and underage use. Concerns have been raised by schools and parents that marijuana could lead youth to try other drugs since the onset of the decriminalisation of the plant in 2022. The Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection said there has been an upward trend in the number of children and youth prosecuted nationwide between 2022 and 2024. Juvenile delinquents were mostly prosecuted in relation to methamphetamine (ya ba), with 3,931 cases, accounting for 39.90% of the total, followed by 3,626 cases involving cannabis use, or 36.80%. Daycha Siripatra, chairman of the Khaokwan Foundation, warned of the economic fallout from recriminalising cannabis. "The cannabis industry has boosted the economy, especially for local farmers across Thailand. "The country has also seen a surge in inbound tourists from Malaysia, where cannabis remains classified as a narcotic. "As a result, allowing cannabis for recreational use among tourists has helped drive growth in cannabis-related sales." Mr Daycha has long been recognised for his expertise in producing extracts for treatment of cancer, Parkinson's, arthritis and epilepsy. "Cannabis has contributed less damage to human health than alcohol or other abused drugs. "Authorities should redirect their attention to alcohol regulations and legislation, as alcohol remains a major global cause of death -- contributing to over 2.4 million deaths annually." He said the change of regulations mainly serves political conflicts of interests and promotes major players. The new regulations may not be as well-intentioned, Mr Daycha said, because "the previous prohibitions on selling cannabis to youth under 20 years old would be removed. Thereby, students or those below 20 are allowed to purchase cannabis with a medical prescription". Dr Thiravat Hemachudha, chairman of the Center of Excellence in Integrative Medicine and Public Health and Adviser at College of Oriental Medicine, Rangsit University, said some patients who grow cannabis at home have seen marked improvements in their health as a result of consuming cannabis extract. However, relisting cannabis might risk the future of those combinations of treatment currently practiced in over 100 community healthcare centres across Thailand. Despite uncertainty in Thailand, the plants are still being trialled worldwide, particularly the effects of cannabinol (CBN). The health sector relies on imported cannabidiol (CBD) and CBN which costs 30,000 to 40,000 baht per unit. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol extracted from cannabis that yields high psychoactive chemicals, CBD and CBN are classified as non-psychoactive substances.
