CBSA seizure leads to RCMP charges, suspected drugs and undeclared currency

The Canada Boundary Administrations Office (CBSA) and the Imperial Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are focused on protecting our networks.

Andrew Lee Toppenberg arrived at Niagara Falls, Ontario’s Rainbow Bridge port of entry on May 2, 2023, where he was referred for a secondary examination. Border service agents discovered US$602,985 in undeclared currency and 181 kilograms of suspected cannabis during the vehicle inspection.

Toppenberg, 60, of Tustin, California, was detained by the CBSA. Guardianship of Toppenberg and the proof was moved to the RCMP, and the accompanying 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.