2024 Year in Review for the Greater Toronto Area: CBSA Seizes 10,000 kg of Drugs and 5,600 Weapons and Firearms
December 9, 2024 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced the results of its operations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) during 2024, highlighting significant seizures of drugs and firearms.
Throughout the year, CBSA officers at Pearson International Airport, land border crossings, and postal facilities intercepted a total of:
- 10,000 kilograms (22,046 pounds) of various illicit drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
- 5,600 weapons and firearms, including handguns, rifles, and ammunition.
These seizures represent a substantial increase over previous years, reflecting the agency’s enhanced enforcement efforts to combat the illegal trafficking of drugs and firearms.
“The CBSA is committed to protecting the safety of Canadians by intercepting these dangerous substances and weapons before they reach our communities,” said Regional Director General, Michelle Stewart.
The drugs and firearms were seized in a variety of ways, including:
- Routine border inspections at Pearson International Airport and land border crossings.
- Intelligence-led investigations targeting known drug and firearm trafficking organizations.
- Mail and cargo inspections at postal facilities.
“The CBSA works closely with domestic and international law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those involved in these illegal activities,” said Stewart.
In addition to the seizures, the CBSA also made a number of arrests related to drug and firearms offenses. These arrests have resulted in criminal charges and convictions, including:
- The arrest of two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine into Canada through Pearson International Airport in January.
- The seizure of a large cache of firearms from a residence in Vaughan in April.
- The arrest of a suspected firearms trafficker in collaboration with the Toronto Police Service in September.
The CBSA is urging members of the public to report any suspected drug or firearms smuggling activities by calling the Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
“The CBSA welcomes information from the public as we continue to work together to keep our communities safe,” said Stewart.
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