Calgary Airport Seizes 160 Kilograms of Marijuana in 2024

Calgary International Airport has reported a significant rise in marijuana seizures, with approximately 160 kilograms confiscated over the past year. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) revealed that most of the seized cannabis, about 140 kilograms, was illegal and intended for export. This increase reflects not only the growing volume of air traffic but also evolving trends in drug smuggling.

In a press release issued on May 15, 2024, CBSA port director Lisa White highlighted that such quantities of marijuana would have been unthinkable a decade ago. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at around $1.2 million. The airport welcomed an additional 400,000 passengers in 2024 compared to the previous year, contributing to the increase in smuggling attempts.

Emerging Trends in Drug Smuggling

White noted a notable trend in marijuana smuggling, particularly towards the United Kingdom. Four significant attempts accounted for 109 kilograms of the total seized. In one case, customs officers intercepted a suitcase containing 17.5 kilograms of vacuum-sealed marijuana on May 13, which had originated from Hong Kong and was destined for the UK.

The CBSA’s operations at Calgary International Airport have adapted to these changing patterns, with an increase in flights to the UK leading to more opportunities for smuggling. “Previously, we didn’t have as many flights going to the UK, only one or two, whereas now there are multiple times a day from different airlines,” White explained.

Packages often contained between one and ten kilograms of marijuana each, also bound for the Netherlands and Belgium. The agency is focusing on enhancing its detection strategies in response to these trends.

Enhanced Detection Strategies and Passenger Education

The CBSA has implemented a comprehensive strategy to identify potential smuggling attempts, which includes the use of sniffer dogs, customs operations, and advanced screening techniques such as X-ray and manual searches of luggage. During a media showcase on Wednesday, officials emphasized that random selection for secondary screening does not imply wrongdoing on the part of travelers.

CBSA superintendent Harvey Noordhof reassured passengers, stating, “It could be just based on a random selection to verify your documents.” The discretion of customs officers plays a role in determining how passenger offenses are addressed during secondary screenings.

The CBSA is dedicated to educating the public to promote compliance with over 90 different acts, regulations, and international agreements, ensuring that travelers remain informed about the rules governing cannabis and other restricted items.

As the volume of air traffic continues to rise, the agency remains vigilant in its efforts to combat smuggling while maintaining a focus on passenger education and safety. The increase in marijuana seizures at Calgary International Airport serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges faced by customs authorities in the modern aviation landscape.