Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers intercepted a total of 228 kg of illegal narcotics at the Coutts port of entry in two separate incidents, preventing millions of dollars worth of drugs from entering Canada.
The first seizure occurred on December 24, when CBSA officers examined a commercial truck carrying a mixed load destined for Calgary. Upon noticing irregularities, officers conducted a search and discovered 186 kg of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $1.86 million CAD.
Less than a month later, on January 18, another commercial truck carrying a mixed shipment and also bound for Calgary was subjected to a secondary examination. Officers found two cardboard boxes in the trailer containing multiple bricks of cocaine. In total, 42 kg of cocaine was seized, estimated to be worth over $1 million CAD.
In both cases, the drivers were arrested and handed over to the Alberta RCMP. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
“The safety and security of Canadians is our top priority,” said Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty. “These significant seizures are examples of the dedication and expertise of CBSA’s officers as they work to prevent illegal drugs from breaching our borders.”
Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General of CBSA’s Prairie Region, emphasized the agency’s commitment to keeping illicit drugs out of Canadian communities.
“CBSA officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our communities. We remain committed to securing and protecting our border alongside our RCMP law enforcement partners.”
RCMP Regional Commander Lisa Moreland echoed the concern over illicit drug trafficking. “Illicit drugs destroy lives and cause serious harm to communities. The RCMP remains committed to sharing intelligence and working in close collaboration with CBSA and international law enforcement partners to stop these illicit, dangerous, and toxic drugs from infiltrating our towns and cities in Alberta and across Canada.”
The Government of Canada is spending $1.3 billion to strengthen border security and immigration enforcement. In 2024 alone, CBSA officers in Alberta seized approximately 1,300 kg of narcotics, including 205 kg of cocaine.
Smuggling narcotics can lead to criminal prosecution, deportation for foreign nationals, and bans on re-entry into Canada. The CBSA urges anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity to contact the Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060. Individuals with information on criminal activity can also reach out to local police, the RCMP, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
