The Canada Border Services Agency announced Monday they seized 184 kg of cocaine valued at approximately $2 million this past November.
In a news release, the organization said the operation was conducted with the Integrated Border Enforcement Team in Alberta, a joint force operation between the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region, CBSA and Calgary Police Service.
The drugs were seized following a secondary examination of a commercial truck seeking entry at the Coutts port of entry on Nov. 13, 2024.
“The safety and security of Canadians is the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s top priority. With the support of various law enforcement agencies, we’ve successfully prevented harmful drugs from entering Canada and harming our communities," said Supt. Sean Boser, Officer in Charge of Federal Serious Organized Crime and Border Integrity – Alberta, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region.
The seizure comes following Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's announcement on Dec. 12 that the province plans to spend $29 million on a new border patrol unit. The unit is to be supported by about 50 armed sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones and four drug detection dogs. It is expected to be operational early next year.
Just five days later, the Federal Government announced a $1.3 billion plan to strengthen border security.
The announcements came after incoming U.S. president Donald Trump pledged to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports on his first day back in office in January.
Trump has said the tariffs would remain in place until the countries put an end to illegal immigration and drug trafficking at their borders.
“Our efforts to combat drug trafficking rely heavily on working closely with our partner law enforcement agencies, including the CBSA and RCMP. This is a significant seizure that undoubtedly had the potential to cause serious damage to our community," said Supt. Jeff Bell, Criminal Operations & Intelligence Division, Calgary Police Service about the November bust.
