William Crooks
CBSA officers on duty – From left to right, CBSA officers Samuel St-Pierre (dog handler), Mario Roy (border services officer), Miguel Bégin (director), and Michel Dubois (superintendent) stand together at the Autoroute 55 border crossing in Stanstead.
A closer look at CBSA operations in Stanstead
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) provided an in-depth look at its operations at the Highway 55 border crossing in Stanstead on March 13, 2025. Led by CBSA Director Miguel Bégin, the media tour showcased the agency’s efforts in monitoring and securing one of Quebec’s key border crossings.
Bégin, responsible for a district covering 500 kilometres from Sutton to New Brunswick with 16 points of entry, welcomed the media and outlined the day’s agenda. The tour featured stops at the traveller processing area, the secondary inspection garage, the commercial inspection zone, and a demonstration by a detection dog, before concluding with a media scrum.
Traveller processing and secondary inspections
The tour began at the primary inspection booths, where Bégin explained the process travellers undergo when entering Canada. Officers verify identity documents, assess admissibility, and determine whether a secondary inspection is necessary. “Most decisions are made right at primary inspection,” Bégin stated. “However, some travellers are referred for additional checks, whether for their status, duty and tax evaluations, or contraband searches.”
At the secondary inspection garage, officers conduct detailed searches when required. Bégin noted that while random inspections are conducted for compliance, officers primarily rely on experience and training to flag individuals for additional scrutiny. “Instinct, knowledge, and specific indicators guide our agents,” he said. The facility allows for thorough examinations, including dismantling vehicle panels when necessary.
One example he provided involved a past seizure where officers discovered illicit substances hidden inside a spare tire, an area often overlooked by smugglers. “We don’t just look at obvious places. We check inside tires, under seats, within dashboards—anywhere that might conceal contraband.”
Commercial processing and detection tools
At the commercial inspection area, Superintendent Michel Dubois provided an overview of truck processing procedures. Commercial drivers undergo primary screening, with some being referred for further scrutiny. “We handle between 90,000 and 100,000 commercial vehicles per year at this location,” Bégin explained.
Additionally, officers demonstrated X-ray imaging technology used to conduct non-intrusive inspections. “This tool allows us to scan vehicles and cargo without dismantling them, making it an invaluable resource,” Bégin said. The scanner can detect irregularities in density, helping officers pinpoint hidden compartments.
Jackson in action – CBSA dog handler Samuel St-Pierre guides Jackson, a detection dog, as he inspects a vehicle for hidden contraband during a demonstration at the Stanstead port of entry.
Detection dog demonstration
A highlight of the tour was the demonstration of CBSA’s detection dog capabilities. Handler Samuel St-Pierre introduced Jackson, a newly certified detection dog, explaining that the dogs are trained to detect a variety of substances, including drugs and firearm components. “For the dog, it’s a game,” St-Pierre said. “When they find something, they get their reward, which reinforces their training.”
Jackson, a high-energy English Springer Spaniel, was brought out for a live demonstration. As soon as he was released, he darted around the vehicle, sniffing intensely. Within seconds, he stopped and sat beside a car door—a signal that he had detected something. St-Pierre rewarded him with his favourite toy, a ball, and praised him enthusiastically. “These dogs work hard, but they love what they do,” he said. “For them, finding contraband is like playing hide-and-seek.”
St-Pierre explained that training a detection dog is a continuous process. “They start their training young, and even after certification, we are always reinforcing their skills with new scents and challenges,” he said. The dogs are trained on multiple odours, including explosives, narcotics, and firearms residue. “A well-trained dog can detect even the faintest trace of a substance, even if someone tries to mask it with strong odours like coffee or perfume.”
He recounted a particularly impressive case where a detection dog helped uncover cocaine hidden inside a truck’s exhaust system. “It was nearly undetectable using conventional methods, but the dog alerted us right away,” St-Pierre said. “We then used an X-ray scanner to confirm the presence of the drugs before dismantling the vehicle.”
Key questions and answers
The tour concluded with a media scrum, where questions centred on border security, cooperation with U.S. authorities, and operational challenges. Bégin confirmed that the agency works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “We collaborate daily,” he said. “Despite political shifts, our working relationship remains strong.”
Asked about claims that 10,000 personnel had been deployed to the border, Bégin clarified that CBSA employs around that number nationwide but that they are not all stationed at the border. “Our staff operate at airports, land crossings, and in enforcement capacities across the country.”
Bégin also addressed concerns regarding firearms smuggling. “Each year, we seize a significant number of firearms entering Canada,” he said. However, he was unable to provide exact figures and directed reporters to CBSA’s communications department for specific statistics.
Regarding the role of CBSA in intercepting illicit goods outside official border crossings, Bégin emphasized that their mandate is limited to port-of-entry operations. “Once beyond the border, enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the RCMP,” he stated.
Finally, when questioned about the recent introduction of tariffs on certain goods, Bégin explained that CBSA officers are responsible for enforcing these measures. “Adapting to new policies is part of our job, and we continue to ensure compliance as regulations evolve.”
Thorough inspections – A CBSA officer removes a grate from the vehicle inspection pit, allowing for a closer examination of a vehicle’s undercarriage at the secondary inspection garage.
A comprehensive look at border operations
The tour provided a rare glimpse into the intricate procedures involved in border security. From traveller and cargo inspections to advanced detection methods, CBSA officers demonstrated the various tools and techniques used to safeguard Canada’s borders. With millions of travellers and hundreds of thousands of commercial shipments passing through each year, the Stanstead port of entry remains a critical checkpoint in the country’s border management framework.
Bégin noted that while technology and expertise play vital roles in border enforcement, human intuition remains essential. “Our officers are trained to notice small details—a nervous twitch, inconsistent answers, even the way someone loads their luggage. These little things can make a big difference in deciding whether to refer someone for further inspection.”
St-Pierre echoed this sentiment, saying that while technology aids their work, detection dogs remain irreplaceable. “No machine can replicate what a well-trained detection dog can do. Their noses are far more sensitive than any electronic device we have.”
As border security continues to evolve, CBSA officers remain committed to ensuring safety while facilitating legitimate travel and trade. With dedicated personnel, advanced technology, and highly trained detection dogs, the agency continues to stand as Canada’s first line of defence against illicit activity at the border.