Nearly $3 million worth of methamphetamine and cocaine destined for Canada was seized at the Alberta border during two separate incidents in December and January.
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers seized 186 kilograms of methamphetamine and 42 kilograms of cocaine from two commercial trucks seeking entry into Canada at the Coutts port of entry in southern Alberta, the border agency said in a Feb. 25 press release. Coutts is the busiest crossing in Alberta and shares a border with Sweetgrass, Montana.
The first seizure occurred on Christmas Eve when CBSA officers examined a commercial truck that was carrying a mixed load destined for Calgary, the CBSA said. Officers noticed abnormalities in the cargo, leading to the discovery of 186 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $1.86 million.
The second seizure occurred on Jan. 18 when a commercial truck transporting a mixed shipment bound for Calgary was ordered to undergo a secondary examination, the agency said.
Officers found two cardboard boxes in the truck trailer containing multiple bricks of cocaine weighing 42 kilograms. The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $1 million.
CBSA officers arrested the drivers of both vehicles and handed them over to the Alberta RCMP. The investigations are ongoing, the agency said.
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The drug seizures come at a time when Canada is boosting border security and cracking down on cross-border drug trafficking in the face of U.S. tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently gave Canada a 30-day reprieve from 10 percent tariffs on oil and gas, as well as 25 percent tax imposed on all other imported products after forging a deal with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau pledged to beef up Canada’s $1.3 billion border security plan with the appointment of a “fentanyl czar” and other measures to prevent cross-border drug trafficking.
Trump may choose to reinstate the tariffs next month if he isn’t happy with Canada’s progress on border security. Trump told reporters on Feb. 24 that his country is “on time with the tariffs” when asked about the pause on tariffs planned for Canada and Mexico focused on border security.
Talking about broader relations including trade with the two countries, which he said have been to the disadvantage of the United States, he added, “the tariffs are going forward, on time, on schedule.”
Public Safety Minister David McGuinty said the recent drug seizures by border officers is proof that Canadian security is a top priority.
“These significant seizures are examples of the dedication and expertise of CBSA’s officers as they continue to work each and every day to prevent illegal drugs, like fentanyl, and contraband from breaching our borders,” McGuinty said in the press release.
CBSA Prairie Region Regional Director General Janalee Bell-Boychuk said the border agency is working hand-in-hand with the RCMP to stop dangerous drugs from coming into Canada.
“CBSA officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our communities,” she said. “We remain committed to securing and protecting our border.”
Border officers in Alberta were responsible for seizing approximately 1,300 kilograms of narcotics, including 205 kilograms of cocaine in 2024, the agency said.
The border agency across Canada has confiscated 2,439 kilograms of cocaine, 36 kilograms of heroin, 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl, and 321 kilograms of other opioids during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2024-2025, according to agency data.
Officers have also seized 12.3 million doses of other narcotics, drugs, and chemicals.
