The province has allocated $32.5 million to prevent the entry of illegal drugs, firearms, and other contraband into the region. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced this initiative in Windsor’s Sandwich Town neighborhood during a press conference on Tuesday. Kerzner emphasized the importance of equipping law enforcement with the necessary resources to combat illegal activities before they pose a threat to Ontario communities.
This funding marks the launch of Operation Deterrence 2.0, a continuation of Ontario’s enhanced border security program introduced in January 2025 following concerns raised by the Trump Administration about drug trafficking into the U.S. from Canada. Kerzner underscored the collaborative effort between the two countries to maintain secure borders for the benefit of both nations.
The majority of the funding, totaling $30 million, will be allocated to a border security grant aimed at assisting municipal and First Nations police services in purchasing specialized equipment such as drones, marine vessels, radar systems, thermal imaging cameras, surveillance technology, and secure intelligence tools. Municipalities and First Nations with direct international borders or access to strategic waterways will be eligible to access this fund.
Additionally, $2.5 million will be designated for a border integrity investigative fund to support operations targeting illegal firearms trafficking, drug smuggling, organized crime, and other cross-border criminal activities. Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Crowley expressed the department’s intention to utilize the funding to acquire marine vessels and drones for immediate response purposes, especially in areas like Amherstburg and Lake Erie.
The new funding will enable Windsor police to replace aging vessels and deploy drones as first responders following recent legislative changes that allow for their use in emergency situations without the previous visual contact requirement. Crowley assured that privacy concerns associated with drone technology are being addressed through appropriate protocols and judicial authorizations.
Moreover, the province highlighted its previous commitment of $57 million in the 2025 budget for the acquisition of two H-135 helicopters to enhance patrols and enforcement activities at key border crossings and along the U.S. border. Operation Deterrence has already yielded significant results, including the interception of over 550 illegal firearms, the seizure of more than 4,100 kilograms of cocaine, and 190 kilograms of fentanyl.
Chief Crowley emphasized the crucial role of robust border security in safeguarding local communities and referenced the success of Project Bay, a major operation that led to the confiscation of 17 firearms and nearly 1.7 tonnes of illicit drugs. He emphasized the importance of continuous support for border enforcement efforts in Ontario’s border cities to uphold public safety and combat criminal activities effectively.