Another big haul of cocaine comes from the US
Smuggling of contraband across their international borders has been a concern for both the United States and Canada. While the US is constantly threatening Canada with heavier tariffs for its failure to prevent smuggling of deadly fentanyl across the international borders, Canada has not retaliated even while trade relations between the two great neighbours and longtime trade partners have touched a new low.
Between January 1 and July 10, 2025, the CBSA seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries combined. Besides cocaine, various other drugs are also being smuggled into Canada from across the US border. Recent seizures indicate that there has been little or no let-up in the smuggling of drugs across the border. Even a former Canadian Olympian is alleged to be a kingpin of one of the gangs involved in the illicit drug trade.
While Canada has launched a massive program to strengthen its border patrol, the US has expressed little satisfaction over the newer controls introduced to check the movement of fentanyl into the US territories, where it has been allegedly claiming a heavy toll of human life.
Last month, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) claimed a significant seizure of cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario.
On July 23, 2025, a commercial truck arriving from the United States was referred for a secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry. During an inspection of the trailer, border services officers found seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine. The total weight of the alleged narcotics was 197 kg, with an estimated street value of $24.6 million.
The CBSA arrested Onkar Kalsi, 29, of Caledon, Ontario, and transferred him and the suspected narcotics to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Kalsi has been charged by the RCMP with smuggling cocaine and possession of cocaine for trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
The investigation is ongoing.
Between January 1 and July 10, 2025, the CBSA seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries combined.
“This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities. Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders,” says Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree.
While talking about the recent seizure, Michael Prosia, Regional Director General – Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency, says, “This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada. This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities.
(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows.)
