Cocaine is the primary illicit substance seized in the southwestern region of Ontario along the Canada-U.S. border, as per data from 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, 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, CBSA seized 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, with 1,515,369 grams confiscated in 2024, both amounting to over $150 million each year. Justin Morgan, the CBSA’s chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge, highlighted that the majority of narcotics intercepted originate from the United States.
Likewise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported cocaine as the most seized substance at the same border crossings, with 927,142 grams seized in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025. Lavarah Miller, a Customs and Border Protection watch commander, mentioned that a substantial portion of seized substances headed to Canada originate from the U.S., not within Canada.
In the current year, CBP’s marijuana seizures (1,797,133 grams) have surpassed cocaine seizures (242,218 grams) significantly between October 1, 2025, and July 6, 2026. Benoît Gomis, a lecturer at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Toronto, noted that law enforcement data on illegal substances seizures might not provide a complete picture of what crosses the border undetected.
Gomis highlighted the allure of cocaine to criminal networks due to its stable supply primarily from Colombia and Peru. He emphasized the drug’s simplicity to smuggle and its established distribution networks, making it a favored choice for traffickers. Gomis also indicated an increasing trend in cocaine consumption and purity, leading to various health risks.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime flagged global drug trafficking as a significant threat, citing the prevalence of cocaine-related harm in Canada. The organization outlined cocaine trafficking routes originating from South America and traversing through Mexico into the U.S. and Canada.
The CBSA showcased its drug detection methods at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry, employing intelligence and technology to identify suspicious shipments. At the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, advanced detection technologies enhance the inspection process, enabling more efficient examinations of commercial trucks and packages containing hazardous substances such as fentanyl.