Despite Trumps claims, fentanyl smuggling not a major problem at northern border [Video]

Two stated purposes of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from Canada — which last week were paused for 30 days — are to force Canadian officials to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and deter illegal border crossings.

“Canada has played a central role in these challenges, including by failing to devote sufficient attention and resources or meaningfully coordinate with United States law enforcement partners to effectively stem the tide of illicit drugs,” Trump said in his executive order.

But Maine’s border with Canada plays a tiny role in both issues, especially the supply of the deadly street drug.

According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, of the more than 21,000 pounds of fentanyl seized at all U.S. borders in fiscal 2024, 43 pounds, or 0.2%, were recovered at the northern border. Of those 43 pounds, 2.1 pounds were seized by agents assigned to the …