The Blue Water Bridge saw more than a few significant seizures this past year, ranging from illegal narcotics to undeclared alcohol.
In a recently released year-in-review report, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Southern Ontario Region (SOR) highlighted some of the significant seizures in 2023, between January 1 and October 31.
CBSA SOR covers seven land ports of entry, including the Blue Water Bridge.
One significant bust from this past year included the seizure of 298 kilograms of methamphetamine at the Blue Water Bridge in August.
CBSA Chief of Operations Rob Long said he couldn't provide specific details related to the incident as it was still under investigation.
Other significant seizures noted at the Blue Water Bridge this past year included the confiscation of $29,363 worth of undeclared alcohol. Two drivers were arrested as a result of the July incident.
Border officials also seized 100 pounds of MDMA in July.
Most recently, 52 kilograms of suspected cocaine was seized at the local port of entry on December 4, which resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old from Brampton.
In the first 10 months of the year, CBSA SOR seized 351 firearms, and approximately 1,312 kg of narcotics, which is up considerably compared to 698 kg seized in 2022.
SOR officers also seized over $1.3 million in currency as suspected proceeds of crime, which is an increase of $38,634 from the same time period in 2022.
CBSA said it could not disclose specific statistics related to the Blue Water Bridge from this past year due to "operational sensitivities."
At the beginning of the year, Canada's Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino toured the CBSA facility in Point Edward, where he received a first-hand look at the equipment used to find illegal narcotics and weapons.
Mendicino was also introduced to two members of the K9 Unit, Smoke and Bones. Long said the organization would like to add a third dog-handler team but there are no plans in the immediate future for that.
While regular traffic volumes dropped significantly during the pandemic due to border restrictions, Long said the volume of commercial traffic remained high.
All pandemic border restrictions ended in the fall of 2022.
"The number of trucks never dropped. In fact, they continued to increase month by month," said Long.
CBSA also highlighted the work done this past year to strengthen ties with area First Nation communities, including Walpole Island.
Long said an example of the work being done includes the creation of a new role, the SOR Regional Indigenous Affairs Advisor.
"The Regional Indigenous Affairs Advisor for SOR continues to establish meaningful relationships using face-to-face meetings with local Indigenous communities within the region and supports Indigenous representation at recruitment and career fairs, and at significant community events," said Long.