Border officials in southern Ontario seized over $13.8 million worth of illegal tobacco and nicotine products during the month of August.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said most seizures involved significant quantities in commercial shipments from the United States.
"Seizing more than $13.8 million in tobacco and nicotine products shows the strength of Canada’s border enforcement," said Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree in a media release. "These actions help protect Canadians and ensure criminal organizations cannot take advantage of our borders for financial gain.”
The CBSA said revenue generated from the illicit tobacco trade is often used to support and expand other criminal activities in Canada and abroad. It's working closely with law enforcement partners to intercept contraband at border crossings.
"These results reflect the skill, experience and determination of CBSA’s frontline officers across southern Ontario," said CBSA Regional Director General Michael Prosia. "Guided by intelligence and supported by tools such as handheld devices, X-ray technology and detector dogs, our officers use their specialized training and expertise to identify contraband and other prohibited or restricted goods. Their knowledge and vigilance are critical to our enforcement efforts."
A few notable seizures in August are listed below.
At the Blue Water Bridge, border officers seized 14,964 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco, valued at $2.7 million on August 20; 15,222 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, valued at $2.8 million on August 14; and 2,796 kg of nicotine pouches, valued at $2.9 million on August 11.
At the Ambassador Bridge, CBSA officers seized 1,781,000 cigarettes, valued at $333,189 on August 17.
Other notable seizures were at the Peace Bridge on August 6, when CBSA officers seized 3,000 kg of waterpipe tobacco, valued at $299,820; and at the Queenston Bridge on August 2, when officers seized 7,658 kg of nicotine and tobacco products, valued at $2.7 million.
Since the beginning of 2026, CBSA officers in the Southern Ontario Region have seized more than $52.2 million in tobacco and nicotine products.
Related: Border officials at the Blue Water Bridge seized nearly $6.6 million worth of contraband nicotine products from commercial shipments between August 7 and August 10.
