Niagara – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to keeping our communities safe.
On May 2, 2023, Andrew Lee Toppenberg, arrived at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry in Niagara Falls, Ontario, where he was referred for a secondary examination. During the inspection of the vehicle, border services officers discovered 181 kilograms of suspected cannabis and US$602,985 of undeclared currency. The CBSA arrested Toppenberg, 60, of Tustin, California. Custody of Toppenberg and the evidence was transferred to the RCMP, and the following charges were laid:
• possession of 181 kg of cannabis for the purpose of distribution contrary to s.9(2) of the Cannabis Act;
• importing 181 kg of cannabis contrary to s.11(1) of the Cannabis Act;
• possession of proceeds of property over five thousand dollars knowing that all or part of the proceeds of property was obtained by a crime in the United States of America contrary to s.354(1)(b) of the Criminal Code. Toppenberg is currently held in custody. His next court date has not been scheduled.
“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. This seizure demonstrates the crucial role that the CBSA and the RCMP play in stopping illicit contraband from entering our communities. Outstanding work by both agencies.” – Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety