The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a major drug seizure at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry, resulting in the arrest of a Brampton man and the confiscation of cocaine valued at more than $23 million.
On June 12, 2025, a commercial truck arriving from the United States was referred for secondary inspection at the Point Edward crossing. During the examination, CBSA officers, aided by a detector dog, discovered 161 bricks of suspected cocaine concealed in six boxes in the trailer. The total weight of the drugs was 187 kilograms, with an estimated street value of $23.3 million.
A 27-year-old man from Brampton, Ontario, was arrested by CBSA officers and transferred to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). He has been charged with importation of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The investigation remains ongoing.
“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. This seizure demonstrates the crucial role that the CBSA and the RCMP play in stopping illicit contraband from entering our communities. This was outstanding work by officers,” said the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.
This latest seizure marks the fourth large cocaine bust at the Blue Water Bridge this year and contributes to a total of 978 kilograms of cocaine seized at Southern Ontario ports of entry to date in 2025.
“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously and our officers work diligently with the RCMP to prevent smuggling across our borders,” said An Nguyen, Director, St. Clair District Operations, Canada Border Services Agency. “This is the fourth time a significant amount of cocaine coming from the United States was seized at the Blue Water Bridge this year, demonstrating the excellent work being done by our border services officers and their effectiveness in safeguarding our borders.”
Superintendent Dale Foote, Officer in Charge of RCMP Central Region Border Integrity, echoed the importance of cross-agency cooperation. “This seizure underscores the vital importance of cross-agency collaboration, and highlights the fantastic work by the CBSA and the Ontario RCMP in safeguarding Canadian communities from the smuggling of illicit narcotics into Canada.”
Canada is currently investing $1.3 billion to enhance border security and strengthen the immigration system. Officials continue to remind the public that smuggling narcotics and other contraventions of the Customs Act may result in criminal prosecution, removal from Canada for foreign nationals, and a ban on re-entry.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060 or reach out to the RCMP or local police.
