Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency found over 200 kilograms of cocaine aboard a ship docked in Vancouver.
How the Drugs Were Hidden
On September 3, 2025, CBSA officers at Metro Vancouver Commercial Operations inspected a marine shipment from Panama.
They discovered 204.5 kg of cocaine hidden inside containers of red liquid, which were labeled as paint pigment. The drugs appeared concealed under a white paste coating to evade detection.
Detective-dog teams helped uncover the shipment after alerting to the presence of narcotics. Authorities then transferred the seized cocaine to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Federal Policing – Pacific Region for further investigation.
Official Reactions and Security Effort
The CBSA and RCMP called the seizure a major success in the fight against organized crime. They said the operation demonstrates how criminals will go to great lengths to smuggle drugs and underscores the need for constant vigilance at Canadian borders.
“The seizure shows the skill and dedication of border officers and dog units working together to protect communities,” said regional law-enforcement officials.
Broader Context: Part of a Larger Crackdown
This bust follows other recent major seizures. Earlier this month, CBSA officers at the Vancouver International Airport intercepted 560 kg of cocaine and methamphetamine in a shipment bound for export.
The recent crackdown highlights the growing efforts targeting drug trafficking networks using both marine containers and air cargo routes.
What This Means for Public Safety
Authorities say intercepting such large drug shipments helps protect Canadian communities from addiction, violence, and organized crime.
They also stress that continued cooperation between border services, law enforcement and international partners remains essential to stop these dangerous networks at the source.
