The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reporting a busy and successful year in Saskatchewan, with significant efforts to protect communities, facilitate trade and enforce Canada’s border laws between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31.
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The CBSA, which operates from 20 sites across the province, plays a critical role in keeping Canadians safe and ensuring the smooth flow of travellers and goods. Officers intercept illegal drugs, weapons and currency, while removing individuals who should not be in the country, including those involved in organized crime, terrorism and war crimes.
In Saskatchewan, CBSA officers seized 196 illegal narcotics, including methamphetamines, cocaine, opioids and cannabis. The agency also confiscated 25 firearms and other prohibited items, alongside 58 prohibited devices and over $72,000 in suspected criminal proceeds. Detector dog teams conducted 315 searches, resulting in 15 seizures of drugs or firearms.
Some notable cases included:
- April 2025: A U.S. citizen at North Portal failed to declare a handgun and loaded magazine, which were later seized. The individual paid a penalty and was returned to the U.S.
- May 2025: Another traveller at North Portal attempted to conceal a disassembled handgun and multiple magazines in a vehicle. The items were seized, a penalty issued and the traveller sent back to the U.S.
- May 2025: A commercial truck in transit to Alaska left the port without inspection but was later returned by police. Officers discovered a loaded handgun in the sleeper bunk, which was seized and the driver penalized.
The CBSA welcomed more than 480,000 travellers to Saskatchewan and processed 58 asylum applications, double the number recorded by the same time last year.
On the trade side, officers processed approximately 110,015 commercial trucks, assessed over $991.3 million in duties and taxes and evaluated more than $6.7 billion in goods for trusted traders.
“I have seen up close the commitment and dedication of CBSA officers across the country. Their work this past year has been extraordinary, protecting communities and supporting our economy,” said Saskatchewan’s minister of public safety Gary Anandasangaree, noting ongoing hiring efforts to bolster border security.
The CBSA’s work in Saskatchewan demonstrates the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding Canadian communities, facilitating legitimate trade and travel and enforcing national security at the border.
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