Fentanyl seizures are up at the U.S. northern border — but Canada is still a very small player
The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals an increase in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada. Despite this uptick in seizures, the quantities intercepted remain significantly lower than those coming from Mexico.
In the first few months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, U.S. border guards confiscated relatively small amounts of fentanyl, often reporting 0.5 kilograms or less seized. However, there was a notable jump in April and May, with officials capturing six and 14 kilograms, respectively, near the Canadian boundary. These seizures mean that more fentanyl has been intercepted along the northern border this year than in the entire previous year. Between October 2024 and May, the U.S. seized 26 kilograms, compared to the 19.5 kilograms seized in the previous 12 months.
In comparison, officials at the U.S. southwestern border with Mexico have seized approximately 3,700 kilograms of fentanyl so far this fiscal year, significantly more than what was intercepted coming from Canada. The data does not provide specifics on how or where the fentanyl was seized, or why there was a notable increase near the northern boundary in the last two months. However, there were seven seizure events in April and five in May.
Kevin Brosseau, Canada’s fentanyl czar, expressed concern about the rise in fentanyl seizures near the American border, emphasizing that even a single gram captured near the border is too much. Brosseau suggested that increased pressure on the southern border may be leading criminal elements to turn to Canada. He emphasized the importance of intercepting drugs and those involved in trafficking them, highlighting the aggressive approach Canada is taking to combat the issue.
Despite the slight increase in fentanyl seizures, Brosseau found some comfort in a recent report by the Manhattan Institute, which indicated that Canada is not the primary supplier of fentanyl to the United States. The report revealed that the majority of fentanyl seized in large quantities at U.S. land borders between 2013 and 2024 originated from Mexico. Brosseau reiterated that Canada is committed to working closely with the U.S. to address the fentanyl crisis and prevent illegal drug trafficking.
Jonathan Caulkins, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, emphasized that while some fentanyl may cross the border from Canada to the United States, the bulk of the drug supply comes from Mexico. Caulkins highlighted the need for collaboration between the two countries to combat the fentanyl epidemic effectively.
In conclusion, the data underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the fentanyl crisis. Canada and the U.S. must work together to combat illegal drug trafficking and prevent the devastating impact of fentanyl on both countries. By sharing intelligence and intensifying enforcement efforts, both nations can make significant strides in tackling this pressing issue.
