On March 12, 2024, Jose Pablo Hilario Pimentel (Hilario), 34, currently residing in Ontario, was taken into custody by the Manitoba RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) on charges of Human Smuggling and Counselling Misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The investigation into Hilario’s activities began after a traffic stop conducted by Morden Police Service in Morden on March 11, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm. At the time, Hilario allegedly had five passengers in his vehicle who were arrested under the Customs Act. All five passengers were dressed in layers for the cold weather. Four of the passengers were in their 20s while one passenger was 58 years of age.
It was determined through the investigation that all the passengers were going to attempt to enter the United States. Of the five passengers, two had valid status in Canada. The remaining passengers were turned over to Canada Border Services Agency for further processing.
Hilario remains in custody at this time.
The investigation continues.
