Over the past year, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has ramped up its efforts to combat drug smuggling at Calgary International Airport, seizing over 350 pounds of cannabis valued at more than $1.2 million. Despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada, attempting to transport it across international borders remains illegal and can carry serious consequences — including up to five years in prison.
One of the CBSA’s most effective tools in this fight? Highly trained canine units. Dogs like Leo are specifically trained to detect illegal drugs, including cannabis, even when they’re hidden in tightly sealed containers. These detection dogs undergo rigorous pre-training, and their handlers are carefully selected through a special assessment process. Together, they form a skilled duo capable of sniffing out substances even in the most discreetly packed luggage.
In just four separate smuggling attempts, CBSA officers intercepted over 240 pounds of cannabis, all discovered with the help of drug-sniffing dogs. The cannabis had been packed in vacuum-sealed suitcases—a tactic used to mask the scent from detection—but it wasn’t enough to fool the trained noses of the canine teams.
Interestingly, not all smugglers go to great lengths to conceal their illicit goods. CBSA officers recalled a case in late 2023 involving 12 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a suitcase with minimal effort to disguise it. Though less frequent, such attempts are still part of what CBSA agents remain vigilant for.
While cannabis is now legal within Canada, exporting it without authorization is strictly prohibited and continues to be a common issue at international departure points.
The agency’s success stems from a mix of teamwork, intelligence gathering, and national coordination. Smuggling trends, behavioral indicators, and intelligence shared across the country help inform their enforcement strategies. As one CBSA spokesperson noted, “This is a result of that collective teamwork.”
And cannabis isn’t the only concern. In 2024 alone, CBSA officers at Calgary International Airport also seized around 60 firearms, 820 prohibited weapons, and a staggering 2,866 pounds of various drugs.
These numbers highlight the ongoing challenges CBSA faces at international airports and the importance of continued vigilance, training, and inter-agency cooperation. Whether it’s cannabis, cocaine, or other illicit goods, the message is clear: smuggling across Canada’s borders will not go undetected.
