Cocaine has been identified as the most seized substance in the southwestern Ontario region along the Canada-U.S. border, based on data from authorities in both countries. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confiscated over 827,000 grams of cocaine in the first half of this year, valued at more than $82 million. The seizures occurred at various border crossings such as the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, Peace Bridge, Queenston Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge, as well as at 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 in street value. Chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge, Justin Morgan, stated that a significant portion of seized narcotics originates from the United States.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, cocaine also topped the list of seized substances at the same border crossings. The CBP confiscated 927,142 grams in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025. CBP officials highlighted that a substantial amount of seized substances entering Detroit are bound for Canada from the U.S., rather than originating within Canada.
Interestingly, marijuana seizures by CBP this year have surpassed cocaine seizures by a significant margin, 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, emphasized that drug seizure data may not offer a comprehensive view of the situation. Gomis pointed out that the reasons behind undetected border crossings remain unclear and that drug seizure trends can be interpreted in various ways, such as increased law enforcement efforts or higher drug circulation.
The appeal of cocaine to criminal networks lies in its stable supply chain primarily originating from Colombia and Peru, according to Gomis. He highlighted the drug’s ease of smuggling due to its small size, established distribution networks, and consistent demand. Gomis also noted an upward trend in cocaine consumption, along with increasing purity levels in regions like the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, leading to heightened health risks.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has labeled global drug trafficking, particularly cocaine trafficking, as a significant threat. The organization cited the prevalence of cocaine use in Canada, with statistics indicating its high usage among individuals entering treatment facilities in the country.
To detect drugs at the U.S. border, the CBSA uses various methods, including intelligence gathering, automated inspections of suspicious loads, and trained officers looking for concealment methods and unusual behavior. At the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge, advanced detection technologies such as X-ray equipment have been installed to enhance border security measures. This new crossing boasts 24 inspection lanes and facilitates commercial truck examinations with on-site X-ray capabilities, streamlining the inspection process.