In southwestern Ontario along the Canada-U.S. border, cocaine stands out as the most confiscated substance, based on information from both countries. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized over 827,000 grams of cocaine in the first half of this year, valued at more than $82 million, at various border points including Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, Queenston Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Walpole Island.
In the previous year, CBSA seized 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, followed by 1,515,369 grams in 2024, with each year’s haul exceeding $150 million. According to Justin Morgan, the CBSA’s chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge, the majority of narcotics intercepted originate from the United States.
Similarly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported cocaine as the top seized substance at the same border crossings, with 927,142 grams seized in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025. A CBP watch commander, Lavarah Miller, noted that much of the intercepted material heading to Canada originates from the U.S.
Contrastingly, marijuana seizures by CBP surpassed cocaine seizures this year, with 1,797,133 grams of marijuana seized compared to 242,218 grams of cocaine between October 1, 2025, and July 6, 2026.
Benoît Gomis, a lecturer at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, highlighted that law enforcement seizure data on illegal substances may not provide a comprehensive view of the situation, as some illicit substances may evade detection. Gomis stressed the need for contextual understanding of drug seizure trends, as they could result from various factors like chance, enforcement priorities, or actual increases in drug circulation.
Cocaine’s appeal to criminal networks stems from its stable sourcing primarily from Colombia and Peru, making it easy to smuggle due to its compact size. Gomis also noted a rising trend in cocaine consumption, with an increase in purity leading to greater health risks. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has flagged global drug trafficking, citing cocaine as a significant concern, particularly regarding its impact on Canada.
The CBSA employs various methods to detect drugs at the border, utilizing intelligence, information sharing, and advanced tools such as detector dogs, X-ray technology, and inspection techniques to identify illicit substances. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge enhances border security with 24 inspection lanes and advanced X-ray capabilities for efficient commercial truck examinations.
Overall, the ongoing battle against drug trafficking across the Canada-U.S. border remains a critical concern for authorities, necessitating continuous vigilance and innovative detection strategies to combat illicit activities effectively.
