CBSA officers seize over 215 kg of cocaine from two commercial trucks at Coutts

Posted on 5 October 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Canada Border Services Agency

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Coutts port of entry in southern Alberta intercepted two commercial trucks arriving from the United States and seized a combined 215.5 kg of suspected cocaine in July 2026.

According to a report released Sept. 15, a commercial truck was referred for a secondary examination on July 26, during which border services officers detected 80 bricks of suspected cocaine concealed within four boxes located among the declared load. The driver and a passenger were arrested by the CBSA. A total of 90.94 kg of cocaine was seized and transferred to the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region.

On July 31, a second commercial truck was referred for a secondary examination, where border services officers detected 107 bricks of cocaine within the shipment, and a total of 124.6 kg of suspected cocaine was seized. The driver was arrested by the CBSA and the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region took custody of the individual and the suspected narcotics.

The combined seizures resulted in the interception of 215.5 kg of suspected cocaine before it could enter Canada.

Both investigations are ongoing.

“CBSA officers are the first line of defense at ports of entry across the country. These significant cocaine seizures at the Coutts port of entry demonstrate the vigilance, expertise and dedication of our border services officers in preventing illegal drugs and other contraband from entering Canada and causing harm to our communities, stated Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Prairie Region, Canada Border Services Agency.

“Collaboration is fundamental to preventing illicit drugs from entering Canada and strengthening our collective ability to protect Canadians. At every stage, our focus remains on safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the communities we serve,” added Chief Superintendent Brad Wirachowsky, Acting Regional Commander, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region.

Quick facts

• In 2025, CBSA officers in Alberta made 1,292 seizures of illegal narcotics, including 1,054 kg of cocaine and 279 kg of methamphetamine.
• Smuggling narcotics and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. For foreign nationals this may mean removal from Canada, and a ban on returning to Canada.
• Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information available on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada’s Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system – Canada.ca.  
• For the latest contraband statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line 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.