A silent battle rages at Canada’s borders, a relentless struggle against the flow of illicit goods and those seeking to exploit the nation’s generosity. Throughout the first ten months of 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been at the forefront, quietly dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding communities.
The numbers tell a stark story: over 30,791 kilograms of illegal drugs were seized, a significant increase over the 25,600 kilograms intercepted during the same period last year. This isn’t simply about statistics; it represents a tangible disruption of dangerous substances reaching Canadian streets and impacting lives.
Alongside the drug seizures, CBSA officers confiscated more than 13,500 weapons, including 740 firearms. These aren’t just tools, but instruments of potential violence, prevented from falling into the wrong hands. The sheer volume underscores the constant threat and the vigilance required to counter it.
The fight extends beyond drugs and weapons. Authorities successfully intercepted 1,327 stolen vehicles destined for international markets, preventing criminals from profiting from theft and bolstering cross-border crime. Each recovered vehicle represents a victory against organized criminal activity.
A decrease in overall traveller volume – 12% fewer people entering Canada – proved strategically beneficial. This allowed CBSA officers to dedicate more focused attention to critical priorities, resulting in the removal of 19,000 individuals deemed inadmissible under Canadian law.
Among those removed, 841 individuals posed serious threats, flagged for concerns related to national security, organized crime, human rights violations, or criminal activity. This highlights the agency’s commitment to protecting Canadians from those who would do them harm.
The CBSA’s reach extends beyond physical borders. Officers identified over 35,608 individuals attempting to enter Canada who were deemed inadmissible, prompting them to withdraw their requests for entry. Simultaneously, CBSA Liaison Officers around the globe intervened in 5,889 cases, preventing potentially problematic passengers from even boarding flights to Canada.
Beyond enforcement, the CBSA also plays a vital role in humanitarian efforts. The Our Missing Children Program achieved a heartwarming success, reuniting 35 missing or abducted children with their families, offering a beacon of hope in desperate situations.
While battling these threats, the CBSA also maintained its core economic functions, collecting over $40 billion in duties and taxes and meticulously examining more than 4.3 million commercial trucks. This demonstrates a commitment to both security and economic stability.
Despite welcoming over 70 million travellers – a decrease from the previous year – the CBSA’s dedication to safeguarding Canada remains unwavering. The agency’s work is a testament to the quiet professionalism and dedication of those protecting the nation’s borders.
