The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized more than half a tonne of opium after examining a marine container at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility, in Delta, B.C.

The container was referred by CBSA border services officers for examination on January 14, 2026, based on information provided by the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre, Pacific Regional Intelligence Section, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Upon arrival at the Tsawwassen Container Examination Facility, CBSA’s detector dog team was deployed and provided positive indication for contraband. This prompted border services officers to conduct an x-ray examination of the container. The container held 20 industrial-sized rolls of paper and images revealed internal inconsistencies in nine of them. A subsequent progressive examination confirmed that opium had been concealed deep within 10 paper rolls. Border services officers seized a total of 520.6 kg of opium.

This seizure highlights the strength of continued collaboration between Canadian and U.S. agencies in combatting drugs and organized crime. 

This seizure of more than half a tonne of opium is the result of strong collaboration and ongoing intelligence sharing between CBSA and U.S. partners. The CBSA is preventing opioid harm in our communities and is disrupting organized crime networks. I want to commend everyone involved in this significant operation,"    Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety said.

“Every kilogram of opium we intercept at the border is a kilogram that will not devastate a family or community. This seizure is a testament to the skill, dedication, and vigilance of the CBSA officers who protect us every single day,"       Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Pacific Region added.