Canadian officials seize more than 430 pounds of cocaine at Blue Water Bridge

Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News on Aug 7, 2025

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Authorities seized more than 434 pounds of suspected cocaine last month on the Canadian side of the Blue Water Bridge, they said Thursday.

The suspected drugs have an estimated street value of $24.6 million, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.

"This seizure by our dedicated border services officers demonstrates our commitment to stopping criminal activities and safeguarding our communities," Gary Anandasangaree, Canada's Minister of Public Safety, said in a statement. "Our message is clear: Canada will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity and security of its borders."

The agency said its officers seized 197 kilograms of suspected cocaine on July 23 from a commercial truck at the Blue Water Bridge port of entry as it was entering Canada from the United States. The truck was referred for a secondary examination; officers inspected the trailer with a narcotics-detecting dog and found seven bags containing bricks of suspected cocaine.

Officials said they arrested the truck's driver, Onkar Kalsi, 29, of Caledon, Ontario, and turned him over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

He has been charged with the importation of cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, they said.

"This significant cocaine seizure highlights the critical role our border services officers play in disrupting the illegal flow of drugs into Canada," Michael Prosia, the Canada Border Services Agency's Regional Director General for the Southern Ontario Region, said in a statement. "This success is a result of their vigilance and dedication, as well as the strength of our ongoing collaboration with the RCMP to protect our communities."

Last month's seizure at the Blue Water Bridge is among the latest by Canadian authorities.

In June, the border service agency said it seized more than 400 pounds of suspected cocaine at the bridge.

In March, it said its officers confiscated more than 900 pounds of suspected cocaine in two incidents at the bridge.

Between Jan. 1 and July 10, the Canada Border Services Agency seized a total of 1,164 kg of cocaine originating from the United States, alongside 514 kg from other countries.

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