Cocaine emerges as the primary contraband seized along the southwestern Ontario border between Canada and the United States, as per data reported by both nations. During the initial half 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, CBSA confiscated 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, followed by 1,515,369 grams in 2024, each amounting to over $150 million. Chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge CBSA, Justin Morgan, stated that the majority of narcotics entering the region originate from the United States.
Furthermore, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 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. Lavarah Miller, a Customs and Border Protection watch commander, mentioned that a significant portion of the seized items en route from Detroit to Canada are not originating from within Canada.
In the current year, CBP has seized more marijuana (1,797,133 grams) than cocaine (242,218 grams) at the border between October 2025 and July 2026. Benoît Gomis, a lecturer at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, highlighted that law enforcement seizure data may not provide a comprehensive view of the situation, indicating uncertainties about undetected border crossings.
Gomis also emphasized the increasing trend in cocaine consumption, with 2-3% of adults reportedly using the drug annually. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime recognized the global threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly citing the prevalence of cocaine usage in Canada.
The CBSA showcased its border drug detection operations at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry, employing intelligence and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to identify suspicious shipments. With the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, equipped with advanced detection technology, CBSA aims to enhance its inspection capabilities, including X-ray technology for commercial truck examinations to streamline border security measures.