Cocaine stands out as the most frequently confiscated substance along the Canada-U.S. border in southwestern Ontario, based on data from both countries. Within the initial six months of this year, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted over 827,000 grams of cocaine, valued at more than $82 million, at various border points including the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, Queenston Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Walpole Island. In the previous year, the CBSA seized 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, and in 2024, the amount confiscated was 1,515,369 grams worth over $150 million each year.
Chief of operations at the CBSA’s Ambassador Bridge location, Justin Morgan, highlighted that the majority of narcotics intercepted originate from the United States. Similarly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data revealed that cocaine also dominated the substances seized at the same border crossings in southwestern Ontario. Notably, CBP confiscated 927,142 grams in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025. An official from CBP mentioned that a significant portion of the seized substances heading to Canada are sourced from the U.S. rather than originating within Canada.
In comparison to cocaine seizures, marijuana interceptions by CBP have surpassed cocaine seizures by a considerable margin 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 in Toronto, emphasized that the data on illegal substance seizures by law enforcement agencies does not provide a comprehensive overview of the situation regarding undetected border crossings.
Exploring the reasons behind the appeal of cocaine to criminal networks, Gomis indicated that the drug’s stable source in countries like Colombia and Peru makes it attractive due to the familiar operational playbook, ease of smuggling due to its compact size, and established distribution networks. According to Gomis’s findings, cocaine consumption is on the rise, with an increasing purity level leading to various adverse effects when mixed with other substances like fentanyl.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has highlighted the global threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, which has been a significant concern in Canada. The organization reported that cocaine trafficking routes originate in South America and pass through Mexico into the U.S. before reaching Canada.
The CBSA showcased its drug detection methods at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry, utilizing intelligence, information sharing with other law enforcement agencies, and advanced tools like detector dogs and imaging units to identify suspicious loads. Additionally, the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge features cutting-edge technology, such as X-ray capabilities, to enhance detection and examination processes for commercial trucks and packages containing illicit substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Ultimately, the authorities’ efforts to combat drug trafficking at the Canada-U.S. border remain crucial in addressing the challenges posed by criminal networks and the flow of illegal substances across international boundaries.