Border officials in southern Ontario seized over four tonnes of illegal drugs and over 3,000 weapons this year, as stated in a recent "year in review" report released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
CBSA's report highlights significant seizures that took place in the Southern Ontario Region (SOR) from January 1 to October 31.
While specific data for each border crossing was not provided, an incident at the Blue Water Bridge was highlighted.
In June, border officers intercepted 460 kilograms of suspected cocaine in a commercial shipment. The driver was charged by the RCMP.
CBSA SOR includes Sarnia, Windsor, London, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, and surrounding communities.
In total, (during the ten-month time frame) border agents seized 392 firearms and 2,819 weapons, 4,083 kg of narcotics, 1.7 million kg of smuggled tobacco, and $1.8 million in undeclared currency.
The number of firearms and drugs seized surpasses last year's total, as 351 firearms were confiscated in 2023 along with 1,312 kg of drugs.
In 2024, CBSA workers also intercepted 397 wanted individuals, arrested 1,406 people for crimes, and reunited three missing children with their families.
"We take pride in the professionalism demonstrated by our team, and the 2024 year in review highlights the tremendous work being done in the region to serve Canadians," said Regional Director General Michael Prosia. "I would like to recognize all the efforts that our Southern Ontario team continually demonstrates to keep our border secure and our communities safe.”
Border services officers at southern Ontario ports of entry processed 10.5 million vehicles and 19.4 million people, accounting for 43 per cent of the national total of land border travelers.
Meanwhile, traffic across the Blue Water Bridge was reduced at times this year during the rehabilitation of the second span.
Construction was completed on October 23, after nearly six months.
