CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) border services officers have seized more than 160 kilograms of cannabis over the past year at Calgary International Airport and Calgary Commercial operations. The majority was illicit and destined for export, with an estimated street value of more than $1.2 million.
In a July 23 news release, the Canada Border Services Agency said the seizures help disrupt organized crime that helps fund other illegal activities such as narcotics and weapons smuggling.
At the Calgary International Airport, CBSA border services officers intercepted and seized 109 kg in four separate smuggling attempts. In each attempt, the cannabis was discovered in vacuum-sealed packages within suitcases destined for the United Kingdom (U.K.). The travellers involved were arrested by CBSA officers.
Some additional highlights include:
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July 12, 2025: Officers intercepted 12.29 kg of cannabis contained in an otherwise empty suitcase from a Canadian citizen.
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May 13, 2025: Officers intercepted 17.5 kg of cannabis from the suitcase of a traveller from Hong Kong.
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October 27, 2024: Officers intercepted 31.6 kg of cannabis from a Canadian citizen on a stopover from Vancouver. Officers also found one gram of fentanyl and 29 grams of cocaine in small bags hidden within this traveller’s suitcases.
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August 31, 2024: Officers intercepted 48 kg of cannabis concealed in bath towels within two suitcases of a Canadian citizen. A second Canadian citizen was also arrested.
At Calgary Commercial operations, CBSA border services officers intercepted nine packages containing small amounts of cannabis of one to 10 kg each bound for the U.K., Belgium and the Netherlands. The cannabis was contained in vacuum-sealed bags and were falsely declared.
Although cannabis is legal in Canada, the illicit cross-border movement of cannabis is a serious criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment of up to five years under the Customs Act and up to 14 years under the Cannabis Act.
“The ongoing interceptions of illegal cannabis by border services officers in Calgary is another example of the CBSA’s efforts to secure the border and prevent the exporting of contraband. Interrupting these smuggling attempts shows our constant commitment to public safety in Canada and beyond,” said the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.
“CBSA border services officers are combatting drug smuggling and disrupting domestic and international crime networks. If anyone asks you to transport cannabis for them, don’t do it! Cannabis import and export laws have severe consequences in Canada and around the world,” said Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region.
The CBSA said, “Cannabis laws change at the border — what is legal in one country may be illegal in another.”
Bringing cannabis across the border is a serious crime. Even small amounts can lead to criminal charges.
The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact their local police, the RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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