Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers have intercepted a significant drug smuggling operation at Toronto Pearson Airport, uncovering $500,000 worth of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of statues destined for New Zealand. The seizure is one of several major law enforcement actions taken at Canada’s busiest airport in February 2025, reinforcing CBSA’s commitment to protecting the country’s borders.
Alongside the concealed methamphetamine, CBSA officers at Pearson made other notable busts last month, including:
- 30 kilograms of ketamine valued at over $2.1 million.
- Over $10,000 in undeclared U.S. and Japanese currency.
Beyond Pearson Airport, CBSA officers also intercepted significant illegal goods at various border crossings across Ontario:
- Lansdowne (East of Kingston): A cache of prohibited weapons, including a shotgun, two brass knuckles, a throwing star, two knives, 200 rounds of ammunition, and cannabis gummies.
- Southern Ontario Region (Niagara Falls, Windsor, Sarnia, London): Five prohibited handguns seized.
- Peace Bridge (Fort Erie – Buffalo): Over 30 grams of suspected heroin confiscated.
- Ambassador Bridge (Windsor – Detroit): One loaded prohibited firearm and six over-capacity magazines intercepted.
CBSA officials emphasized that keeping illegal drugs, weapons, and contraband out of Canada remains a top enforcement priority.
“Stopping prohibited firearms from coming into Canada is part of the CBSA’s commitment to protect our communities,” stated a CBSA spokesperson.
In collaboration with the RCMP and international law enforcement agencies, CBSA continues to intensify border security efforts to disrupt cross-border criminal activity. The agency also ensures thorough screening of incoming goods, including international mail and courier shipments, to prevent illegal substances and weapons from entering Canada.
The latest seizures highlight the ongoing threats posed by smuggling networks and reaffirm CBSA’s vigilance in safeguarding national security.