Border agents in southern Ontario confiscated more than $13.8 million in illegal tobacco and nicotine products throughout August.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported that many of these seizures were from large commercial shipments arriving from the United States.
The CBSA explained that money made from the illegal tobacco trade often funds other criminal activities, both in Canada and internationally. They are collaborating 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 agents 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 confiscated 1,781,000 cigarettes worth $333,189 on August 17.
Other significant seizures occurred at the Peace Bridge on August 6 when CBSA officers took 3,000 kg of waterpipe tobacco valued at $299,820; also at the Queenston Bridge on August 2 when officers seized 7,658 kg of nicotine and tobacco products worth $2.7 million.
Since the start of 2026, CBSA officers in Southern Ontario have taken more than $52.2 million in tobacco and nicotine products off the streets.
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.
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