CBSA seizes 1,066 kg of Cannabis in the Greater Toronto Area

News release

March 12, 2026
Mississauga, Ontario

From January 1 to February 28, 2026, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), in conjunction with RCMP Toronto Airport Detachment (TAD), intercepted over 1,000 kg of illegal cannabis from travellers and commercial shipments leaving the country. Here are some examples of the seizures that took place:

On January 9, 2026 border service officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport seized 72 kg of cannabis from a passenger bound for the United Kingdom.
On January 19, 2026 border service officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport intercepted 61.5 kg of cannabis from a passenger bound for the United Kingdom after positive indication from a CBSA detector dog team.
On February 12, 2026 border service officers in Mississauga seized 224 kg of cannabis from a commercial shipment bound for Germany.
On February 24, 2026, while attending UPS facilities for examinations, border service officers in Hamilton seized 7 kg of cannabis in a parcel bound for the Netherlands.

Following these seizures, RCMP TAD was engaged and assumed custody of the seizures, initiating a criminal investigation into the individuals responsible. The collaboration between CBSA and the RCMP helps ensure that those involved are held accountable through the court process.

Cannabis smuggling supports organized crime and helps fund other illegal activities, such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. The CBSA’s work to intercept this contraband is paramount to dismantling international organized criminal networks.

Smuggling cannabis across the border is illegal. Consequences are serious, in Canada and abroad. In Canada, the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis is punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act. In some other countries, you could face the death penalty.

Additional multimedia

Seized cannabis from travellers and commercial shipments.

Quotes

“I want to thank the CBSA for its dedication to stopping criminal activity and for keeping Canada’s border secure. Border services officers serve as our first line of defence against transnational crime.”

- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

“Our border services officers are committed to combatting criminal operations that attempt to exploit our borders. Every kilogram seized by our officers helps protect our communities and those abroad from organized crime.”

- Lisa Janes, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Greater Toronto Area Region

“These results demonstrate the strength of our collaboration with the CBSA and policing partners across Canada. Criminal organizations operate without regard for borders, which makes coordinated intelligence‑sharing and enforcement essential to protecting Canadians from the harms of illegal drugs and smuggling‑related crime.”

- Superintendent Dale Foote, OIC Border Integrity, Federal Policing – Central Region RCMP

Quick facts

Export examinations are a part of the CBSA’s export control regulatory mandate. Border services officers have the authority to conduct these types of exams at ports of entry across the country for both travellers and commercial goods.
Although legal in Canada, under the Cannabis Act and its regulations, the import and export of cannabis for any other purpose (such as distribution or sale for non-medical purposes) is strictly prohibited. Consistent with international drug conventions, importing or exporting cannabis for medical or scientific purposes requires a permit from Health Canada for each shipment.
Smuggling drugs is illegal. Trafficking cannabis and other drugs across the border is a criminal offence. Beware of people who ask you to carry anything for them. Consequences are serious in Canada and abroad. In some countries, you could even face the death penalty.
In 2025, the CBSA seized over 46,608 kg of illegal cannabis.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

Associated links

Contacts

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

Page details

2026-03-12