The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized more than half a tonne of opium after examining a marine container at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility in Delta, British Columbia. The container was referred for examination on January 14, 2026, based on information provided by the CBSA's National Targeting Centre, Pacific Regional Intelligence Section, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Discovery of Concealed Opium
Upon arrival at the examination facility, a CBSA detector dog team was deployed and provided a positive indication for contraband. Border services officers then conducted an x-ray examination of the container, which held 20 industrial-sized rolls of paper. The x-rays revealed internal inconsistencies in nine of the rolls. A subsequent progressive examination confirmed that opium had been concealed deep within 10 paper rolls. Border services officers seized a total of 520.6 kg of opium.
Collaboration Between Canadian and U.S. Agencies
This seizure highlights the strength of continued collaboration between Canadian and U.S. agencies in combatting drugs and organized crime. The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, stated: “This seizure of more than half a tonne of opium is the result of strong collaboration and ongoing intelligence sharing between CBSA and U.S. partners. The CBSA is preventing opioid harm in our communities and is disrupting organized crime networks. I want to commend everyone involved in this significant operation.”
Nina Patel, Regional Director General of the Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region, added: “Every kilogram of opium we intercept at the border is a kilogram that will not devastate a family or community. This seizure is a testament to the skill, dedication, and vigilance of the CBSA officers who protect us every single day.”
Quick Facts on CBSA Enforcement
Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals, this may mean removal from Canada and a ban on returning to Canada. In 2025, CBSA officers in British Columbia made 11,390 illegal narcotic seizures, including 329 kg of opioids. In 2025, CBSA Detector Dog Service teams carried out 29,486 searches, resulting in 34,810 seizures involving drugs, firearms, and currency. For the latest contraband statistics, visit the Canada Border Services Agency seizures page.
Border Plan Investments
The Border Plan is the largest single investment in the border in Canadian history. Of the $1.3 billion investment, over $355 million will help the CBSA bolster its frontline and get the latest tools and technology to stop drugs and firearms. Information on the plan is available from the Government of Canada's Border Plan. 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.
