Another Arrest in Human Smuggling Ring

(WINDSOR, ON, Thursday February 16, 2006) – Further to the press release and news conference held on Tuesday February 14th, 2006 regarding the dismantling of a human smuggling ring operating in the Windsor- Sarnia and Detroit area - another arrest has been made today.

Arrested and charged is Renald BEQIRI, age 23, of Tuscarora Street, Windsor, Ontario.

This brings the total of people arrested in Canada to twelve. Police are alleging that an international ring, was smuggling people from several countries both ways across the Canada - United States border. This is the latest move in a two year long investigation conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Police are alleging that migrants from China, Korea, Albania, and Eastern Europe arrived in North America and were then smuggled across the Canada-United States border using many different methods. Migrants where hidden in the trunks of automobiles, on rail cars, in the back of transport trucks, and on small boats.

BEQIRI will appear at Old City Hall Courthouse in Toronto tomorrow - Friday February 17th, 2006 at 0930 hrs for a bail hearing with the others charged in this matter.

Further arrests are anticipated in this case.

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RCMP Contact:
Cst. Annette Bernardon
RCMP Windsor Detachment
(519) 948-5287 office
(519) 791-6859 mobile

CSBA Contact:
Danny Yen
CBSA Media Relations
519-818-7934 cellphone
519-967-4005 office