NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO — A Canada Border Services Agency officer allegedly waved a transport truck full of illegal drugs from the United States into Canada. He skipped required inspection procedures. Now both he and the truck driver face serious criminal charges.
The RCMP identified the officer as Daniel Notarianni. He worked at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge port of entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Investigators say Notarianni deliberately bypassed CBSA policy. He allowed the truck and trailer to cross from the U.S. into Canada without proper inspection. The truck carried large quantities of opium, cannabis products, and tobacco worth millions of dollars.
The CBSA flagged the concern internally and referred the matter to RCMP Federal Policing — Central Region. In January 2026, officers arrested Notarianni. They also arrested the truck driver at the same time — Abhishek Abhishek — who had driven the contraband-loaded vehicle across the border from the United States.
The Charges
Both men face the following charges:
• Conspiracy to import a Schedule I controlled substance
• Trafficking a controlled substance
• Importation of a Schedule I controlled substance
• Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Cannabis Act
• Three counts of distribution of a Schedule I substance under the Cannabis Act
• Transportation and possession of tobacco for the purpose of sale
On March 6, 2026, the RCMP executed a search warrant on Notarianni. Abhishek appeared in court on March 13. Notarianni appeared on March 18. He is next scheduled in Welland, Ontario on March 23, 2026. Abhishek faces a follow-up court date on April 9, 2026.
Superintendent Dale Foote of RCMP Federal Policing — Central Region praised the inter-agency cooperation. “This investigation highlights the strength of the partnership between the RCMP and the CBSA in maintaining a secure border. When the CBSA brought this information forward, our members were able to respond quickly and carry out a careful, impartial investigation. The charges announced today reflect our commitment to upholding the law with integrity and consistency,” Foote said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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