CBSA Quebec Region Operations Reflect on 2017

News Release

As we begin 2018, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is highlighting top stories from its border operations in Quebec Region in 2017.

Refugee Claims at the Land Border

CBSA employees in Quebec, joined by CBSA colleagues from other regions of Canada, faced in 2017 the arrival of almost 20,000 asylum seekers intercepted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) while attempting to cross the border illegally in the St. Bernard de Lacolle area.

Drug seizures

Moreover, many drug seizures were made by CBSA officers in 2017. In total, over a ton of drugs were seized by the CBSA officers at the Container Examination Centre of the Port of Montreal. More than 20,000 kilograms of contraband tobacco were seized in 2017 at the Land Border plus 527 drug seizures. At Airports, more than 240 drug seizures were made by the CBSA in Quebec, plus 3,506 drug seizures in postal shipments.

Waiting times at Montreal-Trudeau Airport

The CBSA is proud to note that the measures implemented to enhance passenger border clearance processes at Montréal-Trudeau Airport have generated positive results. The creation of a connections centre, which enables travellers in transit to clear customs through a dedicated area, accelerates the flow of all travellers. While a 10% growth in the number of passengers at international arrivals was recorded at Montréal-Trudeau Airport in 2017, zero wait times longer than 45 minutes were observed to access CBSA primary inspection.

New technologies

100 new Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK) were installed at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, and 14 at Jean-Lesage International Airport in Quebec City. These higher-performance kiosks serve to process all travellers.

In 2018, the CBSA will continue to modernize its service delivery to Canadians through the use of these new technologies that will enhance the security and prosperity of Canadians while facilitating international travel and trade at Canada's borders.

Additional multimedia

Quotes

“The CBSA, Quebec Region, had an exceptional year in 2017. The vigilance, the flair and the experience of Border Services Officers are the first line of defense of our country. I am proud of their work, accomplished according to our values: Integrity, Respect and Professionalism. All of our law enforcement's day-to-day operations contribute to the important role the CBSA plays in ensuring the safety and prosperity of our communities.”

Patrick Lefort – Regional Director General, CBSA, Quebec Region

Quick Facts

On January 17, 57 kilos of cocaine are seized inside a marine container.
On June 20, more than 370 kg of cocaine are found in a shipping container.
On August 28, interception in a shipping container of about 29 kilograms of heroin and 604 grams of opium.
On October 20, seizure of 20 kilograms of cocaine in a container at the Port of Montreal.
On January 13, seizure of nearly a kilo of cannabis at the Stanstead Border crossing.
August 31, Seizure of 57 250 illegal cigarettes at the Trout River port of entry.
On November 1st, at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle commercial border crossing, CBSA officers seized 5413 kilograms of contraband tobacco, hidden within other goods.
On December 6, border services officers assigned to inspect international mail at the Léo-Blanchette mail processing facility in Ville Saint-Laurent, intercepted an envelope containing approximately 58 grams of ecstasy
On January 29, 9.3 kilos of heroin are seized on a traveller at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
On December 10, two female travellers are intercepted with nearly a kilo of cocaine in their suitcases at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

Contacts

Media Relations
CBSA, Quebec Region
514-350-6130

Que_media_ASFC@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2018-01-11