Massive cannabis shipment intercepted by the CBSA in Saint John Français
On May 21, 2025, border services officers at the Port of Saint John, with assistance from CBSA intelligence officers in the Greater Toronto Area and Atlantic Regions, examined a marine container destined for export to Scotland, United Kingdom.
During this examination, officers uncovered over 6,700 kilograms of suspected cannabis, valued at $49.6 M. The drugs were falsely declared on the documentation provided to the CBSA and were concealed in nearly 400 boxes inside the container.
The quantity seized in this single shipment is three times more than the total amount of cannabis seized by the CBSA across Canada in the previous year.
The cannabis and all evidence were transferred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Eastern Region Federal Policing (New Brunswick) for further investigation.
The CBSA and the RCMP are securing our borders by collaborating on investigations to prevent illegal drug smuggling and organized crime from threatening the safety and well-being of our communities.
Although cannabis is legal in Canada, cannabis smuggling supports organized crime and helps fund other illegal activities, such as narcotics and weapons smuggling. It is often used as an exchange for other illegal drugs being imported into Canada such as cocaine. The trade of contraband cannabis is a major threat to the safety and health of Canadians. It is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to 5 years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act.
Quotes
"Our government's top priority is the safety and security of Canadians. Illegal cannabis helps fuel transnational organized crime. This seizure demonstrates our continued commitment to fight it and keep our borders strong and secure. I applaud CBSA and RCMP officers for their commitment to securing the border."
- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
"This historic seizure is the result of a unified tactical plan and effective information-sharing among CBSA officers and our law enforcement partners. I am extremely proud of the level of skill, professionalism and hard work of everyone involved in this intelligence-led operation."
- Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region
"The RCMP continues to work closely with provincial, national, and international law enforcement partners, as well as government entities like CBSA to ensure a coordinated response to reduce the flow of illicit drugs within and outside of Canada. Intelligence sharing and operational engagement with our partners contributes to successful action against the illegal drug trade."
Superintendent Germain Leger, Federal Policing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Quick Facts
Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available at: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system - Canada.ca
CBSA officers at the Container Examination Facility in Saint John are responsible for examining high-risk containers and cargo arriving and leaving Canada by sea via the Port of Saint John.
Working closely with other law enforcement agencies, including the RCMP, the CBSA uses data, intelligence, and risk indicators to identify illegal goods transiting the border.
The Agency conducts intelligence operations and investigations, to identify and interdict contraband. These activities continue to lead to numerous seizures across the country, and various charges laid under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency enforcement action statistics.
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
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Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Since the operation began in December, RCMP have recovered $1.9 million worth of stolen vehicles. The police are in search of 150 more stolen vehicles, 30 of them connected to this investigation. Police also seized a kilogram of cocaine, more than 200 oxycontin pills and nearly $10,000 in cash. The Alberta RCMP auto theft unit worked with St. Albert RCMP and Edmonton Police Service to execute a number of search warrants. Staff Sgt. Luke Halvorson of the Alberta RCMP's community safety unit said those accused in the alleged stolen-vehicle ring would create fake VINs, and then have third parties register them through Service Alberta. 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'Typically, in this investigation, it's all high-end vehicles,' said Halvorson. 'Typically, a year or two old, a lot of higher-end pickup trucks, Land Rovers, Toyotas, Really, anything they can steal, they're doing that.' Halvorson said vehicles have been seized in Alberta, Ontario and the Northwest Territories. One was traced to the Middle East, but Halvorson said shipments of stolen vehicles from Alberta to stolen-car havens near the Persian Gulf are rare, because thieves in this province doesn't have access to ports. He said RCMP don't believe this alleged vehicle-theft ring has any affiliation to known gangs. Thieves do pay attention to resale values. Because Toyotas are famous for keeping their value better than other cars, they're often targeted. As well, the tricked-out pickups retain their value better than other vehicles. Halvorson said RCMP have had discussions with Service Alberta about how easy it is for third parties to register vehicles in this province. 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