CBSA is stopping impaired drivers at the border and making roads safer in Southern Ontario

News release

March 16, 2026
Niagara Falls, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) joins its public safety partners in marking National Impaired Driving Prevention Week. Impaired driving, whether by alcohol or drugs, continues to kill or injure more Canadians than any other crime. It also remains the single most important factor contributing to serious road crashes.

Since January 1, 2025, CBSA officers at land ports of entry in the Southern Ontario Region arrested 211 people for impaired-driving-related offences. Officers are trained to recognize signs of alcohol and drug impairment and can use a test or device to confirm whether someone is under the influence. Here are some recent examples of incidents that underscore the importance of these efforts:

On February 14, 2026, a border services officer arrested a Michigan resident at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry in Point Edward, Ontario, for operating a vehicle while impaired under the Criminal Code. The officer detected a strong odour of cannabis and several signs of drug impairment during a secondary examination. The driver was subsequently handed over to the local police.
A border services officer arrested a traveller from Ohio on January 10, 2026, at the Ambassador Bridge port of entry in Windsor, Ontario, for operating a vehicle while impaired under the Criminal Code. The arrest occurred after CBSA officers observed the driver displaying visible signs of alcohol impairment. The individual was subsequently handed over to the local police.
On January 1, 2026, a border services officer arrested an Ontario resident at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry in Niagara Falls, Ontario, for operating a vehicle while impaired under the Criminal Code. The arrest followed a failed Approved Screening Device (ASD) test, which border services officers administered after observing signs of possible impairment and finding open alcohol in the traveller’s vehicle. The driver was subsequently handed over to the local police.

Quotes

“The CBSA is an important partner in safeguarding Canadians by stopping impaired drivers at the border. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have devastating consequences, endangering lives and communities. Border services officers are taking strong action against those who jeopardize the safety of others on the road.”

- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"The CBSA, working with its law enforcement partners across Southern Ontario, is making our roads safer for everyone by stopping impaired drivers. The decisive actions of border services officers not only protect our communities but also underscore the vital importance of responsible driving."

- Michael Prosia, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency

Quick facts

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of educating Canadians about the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction, which destroys the lives and health of thousands of Canadians.
The Criminal Code prohibits driving while impaired to any degree by drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. Penalties for this offence range from a mandatory minimum fine to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945

Page details

2026-03-16