2024 Year in Review for the Quebec Region: CBSA Seizes 1,191 Firearms and Weapons and Makes 3,672 Illegal Drug Seizures
Montreal, December 9, 2024 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is releasing its year-end enforcement results for the Quebec Region, highlighting significant seizures of firearms, weapons, and illegal drugs.
Throughout 2024, the CBSA in Quebec intercepted and seized:
- 1,191 firearms and weapons, a 15% increase from the previous year
- 3,672 illegal drug seizures, including:
- 1,254 seizures of cocaine
- 891 seizures of cannabis
- 472 seizures of methamphetamine
- 196 seizures of fentanyl
- 510 seizures of counterfeit products, including:
- 245 seizures of counterfeit clothing and accessories
- 123 seizures of counterfeit electronics
- 59 seizures of counterfeit currency
“These significant seizures demonstrate the unwavering commitment of our officers to protecting the safety and security of Canadians,” said Jean-Pierre Fortin, Regional Director General for the CBSA in Quebec. “We will continue to work diligently to prevent the illegal entry of prohibited goods into our communities.”
The CBSA seized firearms and weapons at various border crossings and postal facilities in the Quebec Region. The majority of seizures involved undeclared firearms brought into Canada from the United States. Other seizures included prohibited weapons, such as knives and pepper spray.
The illegal drug seizures were made at various border crossings, including the ports of Montreal and Quebec City. CBSA officers intercepted drugs concealed in vehicles, luggage, and parcels. The majority of drug seizures involved cocaine and cannabis, with a significant increase in fentanyl seizures compared to previous years.
“The CBSA is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to combat the illegal drug trade and protect Canadians from the harmful effects of these substances,” added Fortin.
The CBSA also seized a large number of counterfeit products in the Quebec Region. These products were primarily shipped from overseas and intercepted at postal facilities. The seizures included counterfeit clothing and accessories, electronics, and currency.
“Counterfeit products not only pose a safety risk to consumers, but they also harm legitimate businesses and the Canadian economy,” said Fortin. “The CBSA will continue to work to prevent the entry of these illegal goods into our country.”
The CBSA’s enforcement efforts are supported by a variety of tools and technologies. Officers use X-ray machines, canine units, and other specialized equipment to detect prohibited goods. The CBSA also works closely with other government agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Health Canada, to share intelligence and coordinate enforcement activities.
The CBSA encourages the public to report any suspected smuggling or illegal activities. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the CBSA’s Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
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