At Toronto Pearson International Airport, the holiday season has brought no respite for border services officers and their canine companions, who have been at the forefront of a series of high-profile seizures involving drugs and undeclared cash. Over the last several weeks, these vigilant teams have intercepted hundreds of kilograms of illicit substances and tens of thousands of dollars in suspected criminal proceeds, underscoring the persistent challenges facing Canada’s busiest airport.
According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the most recent major bust occurred on December 23, 2025, when officers—assisted by their drug detector dogs—intercepted a staggering 140 kilograms of cannabis. The shipment, destined for Northern Ireland, was discovered during a routine inspection of outgoing cargo. The drugs were seized and promptly turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for further investigation. While recreational marijuana use is legal within Canada’s borders, authorities are quick to remind the public that smuggling cannabis into or out of the country remains a serious criminal offense.
“#CBSA Officers and #DetectorDogs in the #GTA intercepted 140 kg of cannabis destined for Northern Ireland. The evidence was seized and turned over to @RCMPONT. #BorderSecurity,” the agency announced on social media, highlighting both the scale of the seizure and the crucial role played by their four-legged partners.
The week prior, CBSA officers at Pearson Airport made another significant discovery: more than 23 kilograms of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic drug, were found concealed in luggage arriving from France. The traveler in possession of the drugs was arrested, and both the individual and the evidence were handed over to the RCMP. Authorities have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the dangers of ketamine, which, while used legally in medical settings as an anesthetic, is often trafficked illicitly in powder form. Its misuse has been linked to numerous fatalities across Canada.
Inspector John McMath, the officer in charge of the RCMP’s Toronto airport detachment, has not minced words about the threat posed by ketamine. “A strong anesthetic,” he described it, adding, “its use has been the cause of many deaths in Canada. The RCMP is acting to protect Canadians from dangerous drugs that harm our communities. The importation of a narcotic like ketamine is a serious offence … and a conviction may result in a lengthy prison sentence.”
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in 2025, three Toronto residents were charged with drug smuggling after authorities intercepted a shipment of 5.59 kilograms of ketamine—valued at $225,000—brought into Canada via Montreal. The ultimate destination for that shipment was Scarborough, a district in Toronto, further illustrating how international drug trafficking networks target Canadian cities.
CBSA officers have described ketamine as an odorless and colorless substance in its medical liquid form, but it is more commonly trafficked as a white powder. The agency’s ongoing vigilance at airports and other entry points is part of a broader effort to stem the flow of dangerous drugs into Canadian communities. “Keeping harmful drugs out of our communities: #CBSA officers in the #GTA seized over 23 kg of Ketamine found in luggage arriving from France. The traveller was arrested and turned over to @RCMPONT along with the evidence. #ProtectingCanadians,” the agency stated in another public post.
But drugs are not the only contraband drawing the attention of border officials this holiday season. Financial crimes are also a key focus. In a recent case, a traveler arriving from the United Kingdom was denied entry to Canada after officers discovered British currency equivalent to $38,700 CAD concealed inside a speaker. The money was seized as suspected proceeds of crime. Just weeks earlier, on November 8, 2025, $55,000 in Canadian and U.S. cash was confiscated from another traveler arriving from London Heathrow. Authorities believe both sums were likely acquired through criminal activity.
Canadian law requires all travelers to declare any currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 upon entering the country. Failure to do so can result in seizure and potential criminal charges. Customs officials have reiterated this point, reminding travelers that transparency is not just a legal requirement but a crucial tool in combating money laundering and organized crime.
“A traveller arriving from the UK was denied entry to Canada after #CBSA officers in the #GTA found British currency equivalent to $38.7K CAD concealed in a speaker. The currency was seized as suspected proceeds of crime. #ProtectingCanadians,” the CBSA reported, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to intercepting illicit financial flows.
Behind these high-profile seizures are teams of dedicated professionals—and their canine partners—who work tirelessly even during the festive period. As One News noted in a recent report, working dogs continue their duties throughout Christmas 2025, providing an invaluable line of defense against smuggling operations. These detector dogs, trained to sniff out everything from narcotics to large sums of cash, have become indispensable members of the border security team. Their keen senses and relentless work ethic often make the difference in uncovering hidden contraband that might otherwise slip through the cracks.
The sheer volume and variety of recent seizures at Toronto Pearson Airport reflect broader trends in international smuggling. As Canada’s largest and busiest airport, Pearson is a key entry and exit point for both legitimate travelers and those with less lawful intentions. The convergence of increased holiday travel and the ongoing global flow of goods and people creates both opportunities and challenges for border enforcement agencies.
Authorities have made it clear that their vigilance will not waver, regardless of the season. The RCMP and CBSA continue to coordinate closely, sharing intelligence and resources to disrupt criminal networks. Their message to would-be smugglers is unambiguous: Canada’s borders are under constant watch, and those who attempt to bring in or take out illegal substances or undeclared cash face serious consequences.
For travelers passing through Pearson, the message is equally clear. Declare all currency over $10,000, ensure your baggage contains only legal items, and be prepared for thorough inspections—sometimes by a friendly but focused dog. The stakes, as recent cases demonstrate, are high. Whether it’s cannabis bound for overseas markets, lethal anesthetics like ketamine, or large amounts of unexplained cash, border officials are determined to keep Canada’s communities safe from harm and criminal influence.
As the year draws to a close and holiday journeys reach their peak, the work of Canada’s border services officers and their canine colleagues remains as vital as ever. Their recent successes at Toronto Pearson Airport serve as a powerful reminder: vigilance at the border is a year-round commitment, and the safety of the nation depends on it.
