Border officers intercept over 3,000 weapons and 4,000 kg of drugs in southern Ontario this year

Firearms seized by CBSA officers in Southern Ontario Region. (Source: CBSA)

Canada Border Services Agency officers have intercepted over 3,000 weapons and seized over 4,000 kilograms of illegal drugs in the Southern Ontario Region this year.

The CBSA has released its enforcement and operational activities in the region from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2024.

The CBSA’s SOR includes Windsor, Sarnia, London, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, and surrounding communities. The region employs 1,702 people who provide services at eight land borders, two medium and 10 small airports, one train station, two ferry crossings, and over 100 marine sites. It is home to four of the busiest traveller and commercial land border crossings in Canada.

“The Southern Ontario Region is at the frontline 24/7, protecting Canadians around the clock. 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. I would like to recognize all the efforts that our Southern Ontario team continually demonstrates to keep our border secure and our communities safe,”said CBSA SOR regional director general Michael Prosia, CBSA SOR.

Between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, the CBSA SOR seized the following:

• 392 firearms and 2,819 weapons
• 4,083 kg of narcotics
• 1,742,976 kg of smuggled tobacco
• $1,835,993 in undeclared currency

Arrests and interceptions:

• CBSA officers intercepted 397 individuals wanted on outstanding warrants
• arrested 135 people for impaired driving-related offences and 1,406 for other criminality
• denied entry to 1,406 individuals for serious criminality
• reunited three missing children with their families

Significant enforcement actions in 2024 include:

In October, border services officers at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry seized 615 kg of suspected cocaine, discovered in a shipment of grapes. The investigation is ongoing.

In September, during the examination of a bus at the Queenston Bridge port of entry, officers discovered 30 firearms in an unclaimed suitcase. The investigation is ongoing.

In July, officers at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry seized US$75,945 as suspected proceeds of crime. The travellers were refused entry into Canada.

In June, border services officers at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry intercepted 460 kg of suspected cocaine in a commercial shipment. The driver was charged by the RCMP.

In May, officers at the Peace Bridge port of entry seized two handguns, one shotgun, one fully automatic rifle and seven over-capacity magazines from a traveller. The individual was fined and returned to the U.S.

In April, CBSA’s Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division in the Southern Ontario Region participated in a joint forces operation investigating contraband tobacco smuggling. This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 85,000 kg of tobacco, representing more than $33 million in tax evasion.

In February, officers at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel port of entry seized 1 handgun, 1 assault-style rifle, 25 over-capacity magazines, 2 bladed rings, and 2 brass knuckles from a traveller. Customs Act charges were laid against the Michigan resident.

Welcoming travellers to Canada

Border services officers at Southern Ontario ports of entry processed 10.5 million conveyances and 19.4 million people, accounting for 43 per cent of the national total of land border travellers.

4,400 asylum claims were processed in the region.

Commercial statistics

The CBSA in the Southern Ontario Region processed 2.7 million commercial conveyances, accounting for 65 per cent of the national total at land borders.

In addition, 10.2 million commercial entries were processed throughout Southern Ontario.