Massive cannabis seizure at Montreal port as smuggling skyrockets

Over 2,700 kilograms of cannabis were seized in two raids in September 2025 in Montreal. The drugs were destined for the U.K. (CBSA)

Border services agents in Montreal seized almost three metric tonnes of cannabis destined for the U.K., as the amount of weed heading overseas continues to skyrocket in 2025.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said in a news release on Wednesday that officers from the Montreal Marine and Rail Services made seizures on Sept. 17 (2,550 kilograms) in a shipment containing bundles of lumber and Sept. 26 (173 kilograms) in a container with boxes of paper towel rolls.

“Our officers work every day in collaboration with our national and international partners to stop the import and export of contraband, cannabis included,” said Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. “Their diligence and dedication are in the service of the same goal: to ensure the safety of our communities and the integrity of our borders.”

CBSA spokesperson Maria Bohotineanu said that the delay in releasing information about the seizure was “to ensure that the investigation won’t be compromised.”

“This can take time,” she said.

The CBSA said it turned the drugs over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The agency said in its news release that, although cannabis is legal in Canada, illicit cross-border smuggling is not and can be punishable by up to five years in prison.

Cannabis seizures skyrocketing

The Montreal seizures follow a rise in major cannabis confiscations by border agents this year.

Earlier this month, the CBSA seized 800 kilograms of cannabis on Sept. 5 in Halifax, also destined for the U.K.

It was the second cannabis seizure in Halifax in 2025, after officers seized 1,610 kilograms headed for Barbados on May 5.

In May, CBSA officers uncovered 6,700 kilograms of cannabis headed for Scotland.

Last year, the CBSA seized 17,160 kilograms over the course of the entire year.

The first quarter of 2025 saw that number almost double, with 32,150 kilograms seized.

The agency does not have data on the second or third quarters.