Cocaine stands out as the most frequently confiscated substance in the southwestern region of Ontario along the Canada-U.S. border, based on data from both countries. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized over 827,000 grams of cocaine in the first half of this year, valued at more than $82 million, at various border crossings including the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and others. In the previous year, the CBSA seized 1,631,981 grams of cocaine, with similar high amounts seized in 2024, totaling over $150 million each year.
Chief of operations at the Ambassador Bridge for CBSA, Justin Morgan, highlighted that the majority of narcotics come from the United States into Canada. Similarly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported significant cocaine seizures at the same border crossings, with 927,142 grams in 2024 and 2,092,875 grams in 2025. A CBP watch commander mentioned that a considerable portion of seized substances in Detroit are destined for Canada from the U.S., rather than originating within Canada.
Recent data indicates that CBP has seized more marijuana (1,797,133 grams) than cocaine (242,218 grams) at the border between October 2025 and July 2026. Concerns arise regarding the lack of comprehensive insight into the illegal substances that evade detection at the border, as noted by Benoît Gomis from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. The dynamics of drug seizures may vary due to different factors like chance, enforcement priorities, or actual drug circulation increases.
Cocaine’s appeal to criminal networks stems from its stable production sources primarily in Colombia and Peru, as explained by Gomis. The drug’s ease of smuggling due to its compact nature, coupled with established distribution networks and consistent demand, makes it a preferred choice for traffickers. Gomis also observed a rising trend in cocaine consumption, alongside increasing purity levels and dangerous adulteration with substances like fentanyl.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime underscores the global threat posed by drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, highlighting its adverse impact in Canada. The distribution routes of cocaine from South America, through Mexico, and into North America are well-documented, emphasizing the challenges posed by this illicit trade.
To enhance drug detection capabilities at the U.S. border, CBSA employs various strategies at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry, including intelligence-based targeting and advanced inspection technologies. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge features cutting-edge detection tools like X-ray technology, facilitating more efficient commercial truck examinations and enhancing safety measures for handling hazardous substances during inspections.