Suspected drugs seized from shipping container at Halifax port could be worth millions

The Canadian Border Services Agency says it has seized 54.7 kilograms of what it believes to be cocaine from a shipping container at the Port of Halifax.

The suspected drugs were foundconcealed within the containeron June 10, and would have a value of $6.8 million if cocaine is confirmed.

The discovery was made by the agency's waterfront cargo inspection unit, which is trained to detect contraband entering Canada.

The agencyconfirmed in an emailstatement that the container originated fromthe Caribbean. It did not specify as to why this container was singled out, because it could make theirrisk assessmenttechniques ineffective.

"This work is critical for stopping the illegal importation of drugs before they make their way onto Canadian streets," a news release from the agency said.

Last summer, the agency similarly seized about 270 kilograms of suspected cocaineat a yacht club in Halifax.

The packages have been turned over to the RCMP for further investigation.