RCMP seize 40,000 fentanyl pills in international trafficking investigation

Two B.C. residentshave been charged after 132kilograms of cocaineand 40,000 fentanyl pills, believed to be linked to an international crime group,were seized en route to the Port of Vancouver.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found thecocaineinside ina refrigerated shipping containerat the U.S Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport in February 2016. The ship, arriving from Brazil, was making a stop in L.A. on its way to B.C.

Officials found a total of 110 packages containing the drug inside three hockey bags.

The discovery prompted aformal investigation, in which U.S. officials collaboratedwith the RCMPto gatherevidenceand find possible suspects.

Mounties searched an apartment in Richmond, B.C., in relation to the investigation and found"numerous" pieces of evidencein the home including 40,000 fentanyl pills and a one-kilogram brick of methamphetamine.

"These seizures would definitely have impacted the transnational organized crime networks involved," saidRCMPSupt. CalChrustiein a statement released Tuesday. "Even more importantly, we believe that preventing these drugs from reaching our communities has undoubtedly saved countless lives."

Chrustiesaid it's believed the traffickers were "tailgating" on the ship from Brazil,which happens when drugs are piggybacked on a legitimate shipment of goods.

YanChauLam andSok WaiCheongwere arrested byRCMP in February 2016.

Lam, who also goes by the first nameAndrew, has now been charged with one count of conspiring to import a controlled substance,conspiring to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and three counts of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Cheongfaces one count of conspiring to possess a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. She also goes by the name Gertrude.

Lam, 48, lives in Richmond and Cheong, 43, is from Vancouver. They're both duein court on Oct. 31.