NEWMARKET, ON, May 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Federal law enforcement agencies have successfully disrupted an organized crime group importing 248.7 kilograms of cocaine into Canada from the Dominican Republic.

The investigation was initiated on March 3, 2026, after Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers intercepted a shipment being imported into Canada via Halifax, Nova Scotia. The shipment had been flagged for inspection by the CBSA's National Targeting Centre. Using X-ray technology, CBSA officers at the Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility in Halifax detected 1,178 illicit packages within the shipment: the drugs were wrapped in carbon paper and concealed within flatbread. Upon further inspection, multiple field tests confirmed the substance as suspected cocaine. CBSA seized the packages and referred the investigation to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Federal Policing – Central Region.

The importer has been identified as Peter Pompeo (58) of Montreal, Quebec, who has been suspected to be working and conspiring with Taylor Bixby (35) of Thorold, Ontario, and Zachary Daniel Ardizzi (33) of Mississauga, Ontario, in order to import and traffic the cocaine.

As a result of the investigation, all three individuals were arrested and charged with the following offences:

• Importing a controlled substance included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to wit: cocaine, contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Conspiracy to import a controlled substance included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to wit: cocaine, contrary to section 6(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and section 465(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to wit: cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to wit: cocaine, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and section 456(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

The RCMP and the CBSA would like to thank Canadian National (CN) Railway Police for their assistance during the transportation of the shipping container after its arrival in Halifax, and Health Canada for providing comprehensive forensic testing to confirm that the suspected substance was cocaine. 

The accused are scheduled to appear in court on May 13 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket.

Quotes
"This investigation underscores the importance of integrated partnerships between RCMP Federal Policing and federal law enforcement agencies, supported by RCMP members across the country. By leveraging specialized expertise and intelligence led investigative capabilities, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated international cocaine importation network before it impacted Canadian communities. Organized crime operates on a national and international scale, and this outcome reflects the strength of RCMP Federal Policing's coordinated, coast-to-coast approach to serious and organized crime."

— Inspector Henry Tillo, Officer-in-Charge, Serious and Organized Crime, Toronto North Detachment, RCMP Federal Policing – Central Region

"The Canada Border Services Agency is tackling global crime head-on, in close collaboration with our law enforcement partners. Our highly trained intelligence officers and frontline teams at Halifax's Africville Seasides Marine Container Examination Facility are making a direct contribution to Canada's safety and border security."

— Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region

"CN Police regularly collaborate with the RCMP, law enforcement partners, the CBSA and all levels of government on matters of safety and security. This operation highlights the strength of those partnerships and our ongoing commitment to keeping our network and communities safe."

-  Shawn Will, Chief of Police and Chief Security Officer, CN

Quick facts

• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are committed to intercepting and investigating smuggling attempts at our border and disrupting organized crime.
• The CBSA is responsible for border security at ports of entry across Canada, including at land border crossings, airports and marine ports. With a presence across Canada, the RCMP is uniquely positioned to protect our border between ports of entry. The RCMP also supports the CBSA's mandate at ports of entry by protecting Canadians from inbound and outbound criminal threats through criminal investigations and prosecutions related to narcotic smuggling.
• The RCMP and the CBSA work closely in an investigative capacity, along with other domestic and international law enforcement partners, to combat the impact that cross border criminal activity is having on our communities.
• The CBSA conducts targeting, intelligence activities and investigations to identify and intercept contraband. These activities consistently result in numerous seizures across the country and subsequent investigations and charges under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code. For the latest contraband statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
• The Border Plan is the largest single investment in the border in Canadian history. Of the $1.3 billion investment, over $355 million will help the CBSA bolster its frontline and get the latest tools and technology to stop drugs and firearms. Information on the plan is available here: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
• Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals this may mean removal from Canada, and a ban on returning to Canada.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, including drug smuggling, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060, or online.

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SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Central Region