GPS error sends drivers to US-Canada border with nearly 400 pounds of weed

The US-Canada border is the last place you want to land if you’re hauling an illegal shipment of nearly 400 pounds of weed and over half a million dollars.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a press release on June 5 announcing that an American driver was arrested after attempting to drive into his vehicle at the border crossing with nearly 400 pounds of cannabis and over $602,985 Rainbow Bridge crossing the border to Niagara Falls, Canada.

Police say the man tried to follow GPS coordinates but accidentally drove into the US-Canadian port of entry, Insauga reports.

Andrew Lee Toppenberg, 60, of Tustin, California, drove a large shipment of cannabis on May 2nd. According to police, he was following incorrectly entered GPS coordinates, which resulted in him making a wrong turn and ending up at the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) Rainbow Bridge port of entry in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Since Toppenberg did not have a passport, he was sent to the dreaded second test. Upon inspection, CBSA officials uncovered a massive amount of pot worth between $362,000 and $724,000 and over $600,000 ($816,167). It doesn’t look good for the driver. CBSA officers promptly arrested the driver and confiscated cash and cannabis. His case was then referred to the RCMP Niagara on the Lake Federal Policing Border Integrity Team (RCMP BI).

“The safety of Canadians is our government’s top priority,” said the Honorable Marco Mendicino, Secretary of Public Safety. This seizure demonstrates the critical role the CBSA and RCMP play in preventing illegal contraband from entering our communities. Outstanding work from both agencies.”

Specifically, Toppenberg is accused of possessing cannabis for the purpose of distribution contrary to Section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act; Importation of 181 kg (399 lbs) of cannabis, contrary to Section 11(1) of the Cannabis Act; and Possessing the proceeds of property in excess of five thousand dollars with the knowledge that all or any portion of the proceeds of property was obtained by a criminal offense committed in the United States of America that violates Criminal Code Section 354(1)(b).

The CBSA and RCMP welcomed the seizure.

“The CBSA and RCMP continue to achieve positive results from our collaboration to protect Canada’s borders,” said Superintendent Rae Bolsterli, RCMP O Division, OIC Border Integrity. This cash and contraband seizure is another example of how our joint services protect Ontario citizens from criminal activity.”

“The CBSA is extremely proud of the diligence of our officers,” said Jeff Walters, director, Niagara District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency. “Your hard work has had a profound impact on ensuring continued public safety at our borders.”

If Toppenberg were arrested in the US for that amount, the minimum sentence would be no less than five years in prison. If death or serious injury was involved, at least 20 years behind bars.

Toppenberg appeared before a judge at Robert SK Welch Court in St. Catharines, Ontario on May 5, 2023 and was remanded in custody, where he remains. His next court date is not scheduled. To learn more about the latest smuggling statistics, visit the Canada Border Services Agency’s seizures page.