The CBSA is deploying new border services officers and the first specialized fentanyl canine teams

RIGAUD, QC, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, during an induction ceremony at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) College in Rigaud, the CBSA celebrated the deployment of new border services officers as well as new detection dog teams.

This ceremony holds particular significance, as it marks the introduction of the CBSA's first detection dog teams specialized in fentanyl detection, a highly dangerous drug that poses a threat to the health and safety of Canadians.

The cohort of 57 officers completing their training today also includes 14 border services officers hired as part of Canada's commitment to recruit 1,000 new officers over the next three years. These officers will contribute to combating drug and firearms trafficking, disrupting organized crime and unfair trade practices, and ensuring the integrity of Canada's immigration system. They will join the 28 new officers already deployed under this national commitment aimed at improving the safety of our borders.

These measures are part of the 2025 Budget and Canada's Border Plan, launched in December 2024, which provided a total investment of $1.3 billion to strengthen border security and the immigration system, including a significant allocation to the CBSA to enhance its operations and modernize its detection tools.

Quotes
"The safety of Canadians begins at our borders. Faced with increasingly complex threats, equipping the CBSA with the resources to act effectively is essential. These newly trained border services officers and specialized detection dog teams, including the CBSA's first ever teams specializing in fentanyl detection, represent a concrete investment in the safety of our communities."

-       The Honorable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"Every border services officer who completed their training today, along with each specialized detection dog team joining our ranks, strengthens our ability to intercept dangerous drugs such as fentanyl and other threats. Protecting Canadians is a priority for the CBSA."

-       Erin O'Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency

"Stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country requires a relentless, multi-layered approach. By deploying these new officers and innovative, new specialized canine teams, Canada is hardening its borders and keeping communities safe. Congratulations to all our new officers, we are all very proud of you today."

-       Kevin Brosseau, Fentanyl Czar

Quick facts

• The CBSA operates as Canada's first line of defence at more than 1,200 service points. Over 16,500 dedicated employees, including more than 8,500 uniformed officers, work tirelessly to stop dangerous goods and inadmissible persons from entering the country.
• In 2025, the CBSA carried out 29,486 detector dog searches, uncovering 13,986 high-risk food, plant, and animal items, along with 34,810 seizures involving drugs, firearms, and currency. This has exceeded the 2024 total, which recorded 31,028 seizure actions of drugs, firearms, and currency.
• In 2025, the CBSA reported more than 31, 600 drug seizures, including 2,8 kg of fentanyl.
• The CBSA currently has more than 80 detection dog teams deployed across various ports of entry throughout Canada.
• Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
• The CBSA will hire 800 new Border Services Officers, Chiefs and superintendents, and 200 officers across other operational roles, such as trade officers, targeting officers, inland enforcement officers, criminal investigators, intelligence officers, chemists, engineers and international liaison officers. The CBSA will run up to 10 cohorts per year to deliver on commitments in the 2025 Budget and the Border Plan by 2028-2029.

Associated links

• Canada's Border Plan
• Federal Budget 2025
• Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to strengthen border security and keep Canadians safe
• CBSA is strengthening the border: 2025 results and accomplishments

Follow us on "X" (@CanBorder), Instagram, join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.

SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency

Contacts: Media Relations (https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/media-eng.html), Canada Border Services Agency, [email protected], 1-877-761-5945