MONTREAL — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has reported the arrest and indictment of three alleged smugglers following an incident on the southern Quebec border. Police in the region intercepted a truck carrying 44 foreign nationals under conditions described as “horrific” by an RCMP officer.
The interception took place near Stanstead, Quebec, during the early hours from Saturday to Sunday. The vehicle, identified as a cube van, was stopped around 2:20 a.m. after authorities received credible information about a group of migrants intending to cross the border from the United States.
The individuals charged in this incident are Ogulcan Mersin, aged 25, and two men aged 31, Dogan Alakus and Firat Yuksek. They face charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for inducing, aiding, or abetting individuals to commit an offense, as well as assisting people in entering Canada through non-designated customs points.
RCMP spokesperson Charles Poirier detailed the dire circumstances in which the migrants were found, revealing that among them were a pregnant woman and children as young as four years old. When located, the migrants were visibly distraught, dehydrated, and cramped into an inadequate space where they struggled to breathe and lacked access to water.
According to Poirier, the truck passengers, predominantly Haitian nationals, conveyed to officers that they had traversed the border on foot, walking for approximately two hours before their pickup by the truck. Fortunately, while the passengers experienced poor conditions and dehydration, officials do not believe any lives were in immediate danger during the ordeal.
Most of the migrants were subsequently transferred to the CBSA's refugee processing center in St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, where they underwent immigration examinations. The agency has not disclosed the fates of the remaining foreign nationals involved, citing privacy concerns.
As for the alleged smugglers, they will remain in custody as their case is set to return to court on Wednesday. The investigation continues, with the possibility of additional charges being filed against the suspects.
Poirier expressed his alarm over the situation, noting that this event marks the first time he has encountered such a large group of migrants being intercepted simultaneously in Quebec. He emphasized the potential dangers associated with large groups crossing borders illegally, warning that serious incidents could occur if these situations become more commonplace.
Reflecting on the incident, Poirier stated the importance of the timely and reliable information received that enabled the successful rescue of the migrants. He remarked on the potential life-threatening scenarios that could have unfolded had the truck been involved in a collision or if the occupants had been trapped in the vehicle without adequate air supply.
This situation underscores pressing concerns regarding human smuggling and the protection of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge. The agency is committed to addressing these issues seriously as investigations unfold.
