More Than 200 kg of Opium Seized at Burnaby Container Facility

Huge Opium Seizure Disrupts Major Smuggling Attempt

Officers from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced a major bust: 209 kilograms of opium were discovered concealed inside a shipping container at the container-inspection facility in Burnaby. The shipment had arrived from the United Arab Emirates. 

The opium was hidden within an 11,000-kilogram piece of commercial machinery. Detection came after the container was flagged by CBSA’s Detector Dog Team and targeted by intelligence officers working out of the CBSA’s National Targeting Centre. 

What the Authorities Are Saying

CBSA officials described the seizure as a clear example of the agency’s role in intercepting illegal drugs before they reach Canadian communities. They emphasized the importance of intelligence-driven targeting and detection capabilities in stopping sophisticated smuggling operations. 

The investigation remains active as officials work to trace the origin of the shipment and identify those responsible for the smuggling operation. 

A Troubling Pattern Opium Smuggling Continues

This is not the first major opium seizure at the Burnaby facility in recent years. In 2023 CBSA intercepted nearly 200 kilograms of opium concealed in machinery and furniture.

Experts say this recurring pattern underscores the persistent threat posed by international drug trafficking networks that use container shipments to hide large quantities of narcotics. The large volume seized this time highlights the scale of the attempt.

What It Means for Public Safety and Drug Enforcement

Taking 209 kg of opium off the streets could prevent potentially hundreds of thousands of doses from entering circulation. The successful interception may disrupt supply chains for illicit opiates in British Columbia and beyond.

The seizure also sends a signal that border-security efforts are ongoing and serious. With continued vigilance, authorities hope to deter future smuggling attempts and hold networks accountable.

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