CBSA operation leads to seizure of fentanyl, other narcotics

A Canada Boarder Services Agency (CBSA) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

Kilograms of fentanyl and other narcotics were seized by the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) as a result of a large-scale operation.

“During the operation, border services officers examined shipments, with a special focus on mail, air freight and sea containers going to the United States,” a CBSA press release reads.

“Operation Blizzard” was a month-long, cross -country campaign by the CBSA to “intercept fentanyl and other illegal drugs in postal, air cargo and marine containers.”

Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s fentanyl czar, reiterated the agency’s commitment to public safety.

“The Canada Border Services Agency, with initiatives like Operation Blizzard, is directly contributing to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade,” Brosseau said in the release.

There were 2,600 seizures. Of those, 67.5 per cent were illegal narcotics coming to Canada from the U.S., while 17.5 per cent were going to the U.S.

A total of 116 fentanyl shipments were seized, including 1.73 kilograms intercepted in British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta. Of these seizures, 1.44 kilograms were destined for the United States.

Other seizures include:

• 17 meth seizures (5.38 kilograms and 89 pills)

• 24 cocaine seizures (13 kilograms)

• 26 heroin seizures (0.19 kilograms)

• 17 opium seizures (38.84 kilograms and 11 bottles)

• 48 MDMA seizures (2.32 kilograms and 82 pills)

• 249 cannabis and cannabis related product seizures

CBSA president Erin O’Gorman says Operation Blizzard prevented “narcotics, synthetic opioids and fentanyl from reaching communities both at home and across the world.”

“Our commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs is unwavering and our officers will continue to protect our communities from these dangerous substances,” O’Gorman added.