Canadian cannabis seizures hit record as smuggling to Europe surges

Belgian customs seized a record 21 tonnes of Canadian cannabis in 2025, surpassing illegal exports from all other countries, as smugglers exploit Canada's 2018 legalization to target Europe's profitable market. Canadian wholesale cannabis prices average $1,000-$1,500 per kilogram versus up to 6,000 Euros in Europe, driving the surge. Belgian officials issued a "red alert" and sought help from the Canada Border Services Agency, which seized 34 tonnes of export-bound cannabis in 2025. The port of Antwerp's marijuana seizures have overtaken cocaine for the first time, with smugglers using inventive concealment methods. Europol warns the trade will likely persist, funding other criminal activities, while officials call for international cooperation to address the "glocal" problem.