CBSA officers uncover over 96 kg of opium in shipping containers in Halifax, Nova Scotia

News release

A display of evidence collected from the first seizure on November 18, 2021 which revealed 84 packages of opium in one shipping container.

A substantial amount of harmful narcotics won’t make it to Canadian streets as a result of two opium seizures made by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Port of Halifax in Nova Scotia. These seizures were initiated by examination referrals from the CBSA National Targeting Centre (NTC).

On November 18, 2021, border services officers at the Halifax Container Examination Facility located over 65 kilograms of opium during an extensive search of shipping containers. Using a wide range of detection tools and technology, the search revealed 84 packages of opium concealed within a single shipping container that arrived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Seven weeks later on January 7, 2022, CBSA officers at the same facility detected an additional 31 kilograms of opium in 14 packages within another shipping container that also arrived from the UAE.

These seizures were based on information and risk indicators gathered by the NTC and shared with the marine port of entry before the containers arrived in Canada. The NTC identifies people and goods bound for Canada that may pose a threat to the security and safety of the country and refers higher risk shipments for further examination.

The examinations and seizures were led by the CBSA Atlantic Region’s Container Examination Team, with assistance from the Waterfront Cargo Inspection Unit and Marine Enforcement Team. These teams are responsible for examining containers, vehicles, cargo, vessels and people arriving in Canada by sea via the Port of Halifax.

Laboratory testing has confirmed the substances to be opium. On the illicit drug market, opium is often chemically processed into highly addictive heroin and other harmful synthetic opioids.

In both instances, the narcotics were transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for further investigation. The CBSA and RCMP regularly collaborate on investigations to prevent illegal drug smuggling and organized crime from threatening the safety and economy of our communities.

In 2021, the CBSA seized over 1,206 kg of opium across the country.

Additional multimedia

A close-up of several packages of opium seized by border services officers in Halifax, displayed on a table to show how the opium was wrapped.
One of the packages from the CBSA Atlantic Region opium seizures in Halifax, cut open to reveal the opium found inside.

Quotes

“The safety and security of Canadians is our government’s top priority. Our work to protect Canadians begins at our borders, stopping illicit drugs from coming into Canada and disrupting criminal activity. I want to thank CBSA employees for their quick and decisive action to keep Canadians safe.”

The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“We are proud of the work our officers do to ensure the safety and well-being of Canadians. These opium seizures are a result of the Canada Border Services Agency’s ongoing commitment to protect our border and keep contraband goods, such as narcotics, from reaching our communities.”

Charlotte Demers-Doiron, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia District, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region

Quick facts

  • Border services officers are highly trained in examination techniques to intercept prohibited goods and illicit drugs from entering Canada.

  • In Canada, opium poppy and its derivatives are controlled under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Any activity involving opium poppy and the opiates derived from these plants must follow the requirements set out in the CDSA and the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR). These laws allow Canada to meet its obligations under international drug control treaties. Only licensed dealers under the NCR are allowed to import or export opium, with a valid permit.

  • For the latest enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

  • If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch  Line.

  • Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police or the RCMP at 1-800-803-RCMP (7267). Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations

Canada Border Services Agency

media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

1-877-761-5945

Page details

Date modified: