Strengthening Canada’s Border Security: Actions Taken to Date

Targeting illicit drugs, cross-border crime and illegal crossings

The Government of Canada has been resolute in its commitment to doing whatever it takes to keep our border secure, because we know that a strong border is essential to our economy, national security, and the safety of our communities. Through the $1.3 billion Border Plan, the Government of Canada has invested in equipment and technology for border and law enforcement agencies to tackle the flow of illegal fentanyl, other illicit drugs, and precursor chemicals; deter organized crime and illegal migration; and increase information sharing and operational coordination with partners.

Securing the border

Combatting transnational organized crime and fentanyl

Disrupting illegal financing

Strong Borders Act

The proposed Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2) complements the progress we have already made through these investments. It provides the necessary legal framework to enable our law and border enforcement agencies to better protect our borders and uphold the integrity of our immigration system, while allowing for a more integrated and coordinated approach to tackling cross-border crime.

If passed by Parliament, the Strong Borders Act will support three main objectives:

Results Achieved

Monthly irregular crossings from Canada to the U.S. down 99% since peak in June 2024.

Figure 1: Number of individual apprehensions by month
Figure 1: Image description

This line graph illustrates the monthly number of individual southbound apprehensions recorded between June 2024 and August 2025. The vertical axis (y-axis) shows the number of apprehensions, ranging from 0 to 4,000. The horizontal axis (x-axis) represents each month in the one-year period, starting with June 2024 and ending with July 2025.

The data reveals a clear and consistent downward trend in apprehensions over the course of the year. In June 2024, the number of apprehensions was at its highest point, with 3,437 individuals apprehended. This figure steadily declined month over month, with notable drops occurring in the fall and winter months. By August 2025, the number of apprehensions had decreased to 35 individuals.

Figure 2: CBSA fentanyl seizures at Canada-U.S. border (2024-2026)
Figure 2: Image description

The bar graph below illustrates the quantity of fentanyl seized by CBSA, by quarter, from the first quarter of the last fiscal year 2024-2025 to the first quarter of the current fiscal year, 2025-2026.

Source: Canada Border Services Agency enforcement action statistics.

U.S. Border Patrol are finding low amounts of fentanyl at the northern border:

Figure 3: Pounds of fentanyl seized by month
Figure 3: Image description

This line graph shows the number of pounds of fentanyl seized by United States Customs and Border Protection over an 12-month period, from July 2024 to July 2025. The vertical axis (y-axis) represents the quantity of fentanyl seized, measured in pounds, from 0 to 3,000. The horizontal axis (x-axis) displays the months in chronological order, beginning with July 2024 and ending with July 2025.

Two lines are used to distinguish between seizures at different border regions:

  • The orange line represents fentanyl seizures at the southern border area
  • The red line represents fentanyl seizures at the northern border area

At the start of the reporting period in July 2024, seizures at the southern border were significantly higher than those at the northern border. Specifically, 2,732 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the southern border, compared to 16.49 pounds at the northern border.

Over the following months, the quantity of fentanyl seized at the southern border declined steadily. This downward trend continued into the spring of 2025, with the lowest recorded amount 687 pounds in May 2025.

In contrast, fentanyl seizures at the northern border remained relatively low and stable throughout the period. While there were minor fluctuations, the overall trend was flat. By July 2025, the amount seized at the northern border was 0.48 pounds.

Source: U.S. CBP Drug Seizure Statistics: Drug Seizure Statistics | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Efforts to stop fentanyl and other illegal drugs are working

CIROC-led enforcement sprint

Operation Blizzard

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