Canadian Border Services Agency Media Release
On August 25, 2016, officers at the Pigeon River port of entry seized a prohibited weapon in two separate incidents from United States visitors who failed to declare.
A 64-year-old Ohio woman sought entry to Canada and was referred for a secondary examination.
During the secondary examination, border services officers found a 9mm loaded handgun inside the glove box of the vehicle.
The traveller had a permit to carry a concealed handgun but failed to declare any weapons at primary inspection. The gun was seized and the driver was arrested.
“The interdiction of high-risk commodities, such as firearms and weapons, is an enforcement priority for our officers," said Tuula Schuler, CBSA Northwestern Ontario District Director.
"Attempting to smuggle firearms across the border can result in immediate forfeiture, hefty fines, and even significant jail time. Remember to leave your handguns at home.”
Charges are pending and the traveller was released on a recognizance to appear in a Thunder Bay court scheduled for October 24, 2016. A $1,000 penalty was applied for the release of the vehicle.
At the same time officers were dealing with this seizure, a separate referral for a secondary examination resulted in a seizure of a stun gun from a 58-year-old woman from Iowa. The traveller was issued an Allowed to Leave Canada and a $500 penalty was assessed and paid for the return of the vehicle.
Quick Facts
- Canadian firearms laws are clear. Anyone importing firearms and weapons into Canada must declare them and meet all licensing and registration requirements under the Firearms Act.
- Failure to declare goods, including firearms and weapons, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
- Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
Associated Links
Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
