Canadian Trucker Busted at US Border with $6 Million in Cocaine, CBP Says

• by Shimanta Das
• October 7, 2026

A 21-year-old Canadian man was arrested at the Lewiston Bridge border crossing in New York after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers discovered $6 million worth of suspected cocaine hidden in his commercial truck and trailer, authorities announced. The seizure occurred on September 22 during outbound operations at the Port of Buffalo, which connects Lewiston, New York, with Queenston, Ontario. According to CBP, officers encountered the man in the commercial outbound lane and conducted a follow-up search of the vehicle’s floor, where they found 174 vacuum-sealed packages of a white powdery substance that field-tested positive for cocaine.

“This significant seizure highlights the exceptional vigilance, advanced training and relentless dedication of our CBP officers and canine teams at the Lewiston Bridge border crossing,” said Sharon Swiatek, acting port director for the Area Port of Buffalo, in a statement. “While a large focus of our border security mission is on inbound threats, our officers remain equally sharp during outbound operations to dismantle transborder criminal networks, disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics and protect communities on both sides of the border.” The arrest underscores the dual nature of border security, where outbound inspections are just as critical as inbound ones in combating drug trafficking.

The bust is part of a broader trend of significant seizures in 2026. Just recently, the Laredo Port of Entry in Texas intercepted cocaine valued at $628,000 involving a Mexican and U.S. citizen, among other notable cases. Meanwhile, political tensions over border infrastructure have escalated, with former President Donald Trump threatening to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge—named after the legendary Canadian hockey player—as leverage in trade negotiations with Canada. Despite such disputes, CBP continues to emphasize its commitment to disrupting transborder criminal networks and keeping dangerous narcotics off the streets.

As the investigation continues, the Canadian driver faces potential federal charges. The case serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes at the U.S.-Canada border and the sophisticated methods used by smuggling operations. CBP officials credit advanced training and canine units for the successful interception, highlighting their ongoing efforts to protect communities on both sides of the border.