- On July 23, CBSA officers seized approximately 197 kilograms of suspected cocaine worth an estimated $24.6 million during a secondary inspection at the Blue Water Bridge crossing.
- Onkar Kalsi, 29, of Caledon, Ontario, was arrested at the scene and later charged by the RCMP with importing and possessing cocaine for trafficking.
- The Blue Water Bridge has become a key hotspot for cocaine smuggling, with multiple major seizures reported in recent months, including busts in February, March, May and June.
- National CBSA data shows a sharp increase in cocaine (+294 percent), meth (+205 percent) and fentanyl (+1,600 percent) seizures at the Canada–U.S. border since 2020.
- Officials credit the success of these interceptions to strong collaboration between Canadian and U.S. agencies in combating transnational criminal networks.
Canadian border officers have seized nearly 200 kilograms of suspected cocaine at the Blue Water Bridge border crossing in a major blow to cross-border drug trafficking.
According to a statement released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the drugs were discovered on July 23 during a secondary inspection of a commercial truck entering Canada from the United States. Officers said they uncovered seven large bags containing an estimated 197 kilograms (434.3 pounds) of suspected cocaine concealed in the trailer, with an estimated street value of approximately $24.6 million. (Related: Treasury Department SANCTIONS six individuals involved in cocaine trafficking.)
The driver identified as 29-year-old Onkar Kalsi of Caledon, Ontario, was arrested at the scene. He was subsequently handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who have charged him with importing cocaine and possession of cocaine for trafficking. Kalsi is currently in custody and further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
“This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada,” said Michael Prosia, regional director general for the CBSA Southern Ontario Region. “This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities.”
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree echoed a similar stance, saying: “This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities. Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Blue Water Bridge emerges as a major cocaine smuggling hotspot
The Blue Water Bridge, which connects Michigan’s Port Huron and Ontario’s Point Edward, has become a frequent focal point for major drug interceptions.
In February, CBSA officers seized 86 kgs (189.6 lb) of suspected cocaine at the same crossing, resulting in the arrest of Pawandeep Dhillon. The following month, another major bust netted 333 kilograms of suspected cocaine and led to the arrest of Ravinderbir Singh.
In May, border officials intercepted 50 kg (110.2 lb) of suspected cocaine concealed in a truck linked to a transnational crime ring, while in June, 27-year-old Karamveer Singh was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 187 kg (412.3 lb) of cocaine through the same crossing.
The seizures are part of a concerning national trend.
According to CBSA data, between 2020 and 2024, the volume of cocaine seized at the Canada–U.S. border rose by 294 percent. Seizures of methamphetamine increased by 205 percent, while fentanyl seizures surged by a staggering 1,600 percent between 2021 and 2024. From Jan. 1 to July 10 of this year alone, the CBSA revealed it has seized 1,164 kg (2,566.2 lb) of cocaine from shipments originating in the U.S. – more than double the 514 kg (1,133.2 lb) intercepted from all other countries combined.
“Over the past few years, there has been an increase in guns, fentanyl, meth and cocaine seizures coming from the U.S.,” CBSA spokesperson Rebecca Purdy said. “Canada and the U.S. count on each other to share information, identify and protect against threats. By ensuring timely, effective intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation, Canada and the U.S. can better track, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that operate across borders and harm our communities.”
BorderSecurity.news has more similar stories.
Watch this Newsmax report about the Mexican Navy seizing over 3,000 pounds of cocaine from cartels.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.
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Sources include:
TheEpochTimes.com 1
Canada.ca
TheEpochTimes.com 2
Brighteon.com
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