June - November 2015 border highlights (New Brunswick land borders)

News Release

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the entry of travellers and goods, while protecting the safety and security of Canadians. This work is carried out by CBSA border services officers (BSOs) who ensure that the people, goods and conveyances entering Canada meet all requirements and are compliant with Canadian law.

From June to November 2015, CBSA officers processed 1,741,283 travellers in 1,044,184 vehicles at land borders throughout New Brunswick (NB).

The CBSA is pleased to share highlights from the NB land border crossings for this time period.

Immigration Enforcement

CBSA officers conducted 13,703 immigration interviews from June to November 2015.

Examples of immigration enforcement activities:

CBSA officers in Fredericton deported a foreign national as a result of a drug conviction.

A foreign national was arrested and removed by CBSA officers in Fredericton after time served in prison.

Seizures at the border

BSOs conducted more than 34,462 secondary examinations, resulting in 387 seizure actions.

Examples of seizures at the border:

Two travellers arrived in Canada at the St. Stephen port of entry (POE) without an identified destination. Upon further examination, a handgun was discovered. One of the travellers later pled guilty in court and was fined $1,500 for not declaring firearms.

An individual attempted to enter Canada through the St. Stephen POE, claiming to be attending a family funeral. Upon inspection of his vehicle, 34.5 litres of wine, 8.75 litres of spirits and 146 beers were discovered. It turned out that he was coming to attend a wedding and was asked to bring the alcohol. The alcohol was seized with no terms of release and no charges were laid.

On November 9, an individual crossed at the Edmundston POE with intentions to go shopping. The traveller and his vehicle were sent for a secondary examination and 124 oxycodone pills were discovered in the vehicle. The pills and vehicle were seized and the traveller paid a penalty of $880.

Quick Facts (June–November 2015)

• Immigration interviews resulted in the issuance of 502 visitor records, 695 work permits, 141 study permits, and 77 Temporary Resident Permits.

• Officers removed six individuals from NB for various infractions.

• Seizures of goods included:

69 suspected narcotics seizures
7 firearm seizures
1 child pornography seizure

Quotes

“CBSA border services officers work around the clock to support legitimate trade and travel, while protecting the safety and security of Canadians and ensuring that Canada's borders are not used for illegal activity.”

Sylvain Poitras, Chief of Operations (Edmunston), CBSA Atlantic Region

Associated Links

Border Watch Toll-free Line

Be Aware – Poultry ban in effect

Importing a Vehicle into Canada

Recruitment: Become a CBSA officer

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Contacts

CBSA Media Relations,

Atlantic Region

Telephone: 902-426-0900

CommunicationsATL@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca