TRUCKER Talwinder Sekhon was stopped on November 3, 2016, at the Pacific Highway border crossing by the Canada Border Services Agency that located approximately 50 kg of dried poppy pods which was analysed as morphine and codeine by Health Canada .

This product is also known as ‘doda’ in the South Asian community and sold illicitly to users.

Sekhon was charged with possession of morphine and codeine for the purpose of trafficking. He was convicted in October 2019 in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster.

Last week, on February 21, he was handed a 30-month prison term.

Doda is a powdered opiate made from crushed opium poppy pods. It is an addictive substance and has the potential to be harmful when ingested.

Opium poppy and its derivatives are included in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Only licensed dealers under the Narcotic Control Regulations are allowed to import or export opium with a valid permit.