GPS Fail Sends Driver with Almost 400 Pounds Of Pot To U.S. Canada Border

Andrew Lee Toppenberg of Tustin California, 60, was driving a large shipment of cannabis on May 2. Police say that he was driving a large cannabis shipment on May 2. He was following GPS coordinates which were entered incorrectly. This caused him to take the wrong turn, and he ended at the border, at the Canada Border Services Agency Rainbow Bridge port-of-entry in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The CBSA officers found a large amount of marijuana, valued between C$362,000 to C$724,000 and over $600,000.167 USD dollars. It does not look good for the motorist. The CBSA officers arrested the driver immediately and seized cash and cannabis. His case was then handed over to the RCMP Niagara-on-the Lake Federal Policing Border Integrity Team. This seizure demonstrates how important it is for the CBSA and RCMP to stop illicit contraband from entering into our communities. Outstanding work by both agencies.”Specifically, Toppenberg is charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution contrary to s.9(2) of the Cannabis Act; importing 181 kg (399 lbs) of cannabis, contrary to s.11(1) of the Cannabis Act; and 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.The CBSA and RCMP applauded the seizure.”The CBSA and the RCMP continue to get positive results from our collaboration to protect Canada’s borders,” said Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, RCMP O Division, OIC Border Integrity. This seizure is another example of how our combined efforts are keeping Ontario citizens safe against criminal activities.” “The CBSA is very proud of the diligence displayed by our officers,” Jeff Walters Director, Niagara District Operations Canada Border Services Agency. Their hard work has a profound effect on ensuring public security at our borders. If Toppenberg were caught in the U.S., punishments for this sum would be no less that five years in prison. If death or serious injury were a factor, a minimum of 20 years behind bars. Toppenberg appeared in front of a Justice at the Robert S.K Welch Court, St. Catharines in Ontario, on May 5, 2023 and was remanded into custody. His next court date is not yet scheduled. Visit Canada Border Services Agency to learn more about the most recent statistics on contraband.