Cocaine stands out as the most frequently confiscated substance in the southwestern Ontario region along the Canada-U.S. border, as per data from the respective border agencies. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported seizing over 827,000 grams of cocaine in the first half of this year, valued at more than $82 million. In the previous year, the CBSA intercepted 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, and in 2024, the amount seized was 1,515,369 grams, each valued at over $150 million.
Chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge for CBSA, Justin Morgan, highlighted that the majority of narcotics intercepted come from the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials also noted that cocaine was the most seized substance at the same border crossings, with 927,142 grams confiscated in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025.
While marijuana seizures have surpassed cocaine seizures at the border this year, with CBP seizing 1,797,133 grams of marijuana compared to 242,218 grams of cocaine, the trend underscores ongoing drug trafficking challenges.
Benoît Gomis, a lecturer at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, cautioned that seizure data regarding illegal substances may not provide a complete overview of the situation. He emphasized the complexity of drug seizure trends and the various factors influencing them.
Cocaine’s appeal to criminal networks lies in its stable supply chain primarily sourced from Colombia and Peru. The substance’s ease of smuggling due to its compact size and well-established distribution networks make it a preferred choice for traffickers. Gomis also noted an upward trend in cocaine consumption and purity, leading to increased harms globally.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has flagged cocaine trafficking as a significant global threat, with Canada experiencing the adverse impacts of cocaine abuse. The drug’s trafficking routes from South America through Mexico to Canada have been well-documented.
In terms of border security measures, the CBSA employs advanced detection technologies at crossings like the Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. These technologies aid officers in identifying suspicious loads and potential drug trafficking activities.
At the Gordie Howe International Bridge, enhanced inspection capabilities, including X-ray technology and specialized examination facilities, offer improved screening processes for commercial trucks and packages containing illicit substances. These measures aim to strengthen border security and combat drug trafficking activities effectively.