Canadian authorities have successfully arrested and charged two men implicated in a scheme that involved using online classified advertisements to recruit women for the purpose of smuggling illegal drugs out of Canada. This operation, which aimed to exploit vulnerable individuals, was part of a joint investigation conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The investigation commenced in April 2025 after two women were detained in Nigeria for their attempts to transport cannabis.
The nine-month investigation proved to be effective, allowing authorities to intercept an illegal shipment before it was able to leave Canada. The seized drugs amounted to 29 kilograms of cannabis, which were meant to be transported through Toronto Pearson Airport. It was revealed that the women were targeted through advertisements posted on the classified website “LeoList,” which were designed to lure them into the drug trafficking scheme.
According to the investigators, the ads offered enticing financial incentives, promising up to $20,000 in exchange for traveling in and out of Canada while carrying illicit drugs. This alarming tactic clearly illustrates how organized crime networks exploit the vulnerabilities of individuals looking for financial gain.
As a result of the thorough investigation, law enforcement arrested 48-year-old Charles Adewoye from Toronto and 25-year-old Shamaarke Jafar Ismail from the United Kingdom. Adewoye faces two serious charges, including exportation of cannabis and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense. Ismail, on the other hand, has been charged with three offenses: possession of cannabis for the purpose of exporting, conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, and resisting or obstructing a police officer.
After their arrest, both men were released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court on January 16, 2026. This case has raised significant concern among law enforcement officials regarding the recruitment strategies employed by organized crime groups, particularly the targeting of unsuspecting community members for high-risk illegal activities.
Dale Foote, superintendent of federal policing and Central Region Border Integrity, emphasized the critical role of proactive policing in uncovering and dismantling such criminal operations. Foote stated, “The recruitment of unsuspecting community members for high-risk criminal activity is deeply concerning, and we are committed to pursuing anyone who engages in this behavior.” The sentiment of vulnerability being preyed upon by organized crime was echoed by Lisa Janes, regional director general of the CBSA’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA) detachment. Janes remarked, “This case demonstrates the real cost of engaging in criminal activity.”
Furthermore, Janes reiterated the collaborative efforts of the CBSA with local and international law enforcement agencies in order to disrupt organized crime and ensure the safety of Canadian communities. She highlighted that information sharing between agencies is vital for border security and plays a crucial role in addressing the international organized crime issue, particularly against networks that operate across multiple countries.
The investigation into this drug smuggling operation underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation. With the arrest of Adewoye and Ismail, authorities hope to send a strong message regarding the serious consequences tied to participation in criminal activities and the importance of safeguarding communities against the influence of organized crime.
