Five people were rescued over the weekend in Hinchinbrooke as part of a search-and-rescue operation led by RCMP patrol officers from the RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region.
Officers from the Valleyfield Detachment Integrated Border Enforcement Team began the operation in response to a tip from United States Border Patrol. The operation, which involved 20 police officers, took around eight hours overnight from February 22 to the 23.
All five individuals had recently crossed illegally from the United States to Canada. By the time they were found, all five were suffering from hypothermia.
The Black Hawk helicopter and officers from the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team were also involved in the operation.
A driver and an alleged smuggler were arrested. The presumed smuggler was released on a promise to appear and will face charges. The driver was taken into custody by Canada Border Services Agency officers.
The RCMP works with different Canadian and American law enforcement partners. The Integrated Border Enforcement Teams investigate illegal cross-border activities between ports of entry, including human smuggling and contraband trafficking.
The RCMP continues to ask locals to report any information on illegal activities, as well as any suspicious individuals or situations, by calling 514-939-8300 or 1-800-771-5401.