CBSA Launches Operation Blizzard to Target Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Narcotics

Source: ASFC

February 27, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is stepping up efforts to combat fentanyl and other dangerous synthetic narcotics by launching Operation Blizzard. This nationwide initiative aims to intercept illegal contraband entering or leaving Canada, with a strong focus on these highly toxic substances.

As part of the Canada Border Plan, this targeted operation will see CBSA officers increase shipment examinations and respond to more referrals from the CBSA National Targeting Centre, based on risk assessments. The goal is to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and strengthen border security in the fight against organized crime.

Significant Seizures in February 2025

Alongside Operation Blizzard, the CBSA is working closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and local law enforcement agencies. These combined efforts have already led to major drug seizures across the country. In February 2025 alone, the CBSA intercepted six shipments totaling 56.1 g of fentanyl, including a seizure involving two U.S. citizens at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel border crossing, where 20 fentanyl pills and 23 g of a suspected fentanyl substance were confiscated.

Other significant seizures include:

• 186 kg of methamphetamine (estimated value: $1.86M) and 42 kg of cocaine(estimated value: $1M) at the Coutts border crossing;

• 6.4 kg of methamphetamine (estimated value: $500,000) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA);

• 38 kg of cocaine (estimated value: $4.7M) in the GTA;

• 2.3 kg of cocaine (estimated value: $280,000) in the GTA;

• 35 kg of ketamine (estimated value: $2.4M) at Vancouver International Airport;

• 30.6 g of suspected heroin (estimated value: $12,240) at the Peace Bridge border crossing;

• 30 kg of suspected ketamine (estimated value: $2.1M) in the GTA.

A Strengthened Commitment to Public Safety

Operation Blizzard highlights the CBSA’s commitment to preventing illicit drugs from entering Canadian communities. Through targeted interventions and increased cooperation with law enforcement, Canada is enhancing border security and reinforcing its fight against organized crime and drug trafficking.