The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) valued Southern Ontario's August tobacco and nicotine seizures at more than $13.8 million, with most seizures involving sizable commercial shipments from the United States.
An agency release issued Sept. 4 said the Southern Ontario Region's tobacco and nicotine seizures had exceeded $52.2 million since Jan. 1, 2026. The August figure covered land ports of entry throughout the region.
Three examples came from the Blue Water Bridge. On Aug. 11, officers seized 2,796 kilograms of nicotine pouches valued at $2,983,499. They intercepted 15,222 kilograms of loose-leaf tobacco on Aug. 14, worth $2,809,921, and 14,964 kilograms of the same product on Aug. 20, valued at $2,765,969.
At other crossings, officers seized 7,658 kilograms of nicotine and tobacco products at Queenston Bridge on Aug. 2, valued at $2,704,524; 3,000 kilograms of waterpipe tobacco at the Peace Bridge on Aug. 6, worth $299,820; and 1,781 cartons of cigarettes at Ambassador Bridge on Aug. 17, valued at $333,189. The agency presented these incidents as examples from its wider August total.
The CBSA said removing illegal products from the Canadian market limits income for organized crime. Proceeds from illicit tobacco sales, it added, often fund other criminal activity in Canada and abroad.
The agency said it works with law enforcement partners to intercept contraband, drawing on intelligence, specialized detection equipment and frontline officers' expertise. Michael Prosia, the CBSA's regional director general for Southern Ontario, said officers also use handheld devices, X-ray technology and detector dogs, supported by specialized training to identify prohibited or restricted goods.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the seizures help protect Canadians and prevent criminal organizations from profiting through illegal trade.
