Three firearms seized at the Prescott port of entry

News Release

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to remind travellers to declare all firearms and weapons when entering Canada. Undeclared weapons may be seized and travellers could face criminal charges.

On July 17, 2016, border services officers at the Prescott port of entry seized three firearms and laid several charges against two separate travellers who failed to declare prohibited weapons upon presenting themselves at primary inspection.

During a secondary examination of a vehicle, border services officers found a .25-calibre pistol located in the driver side door with a loaded magazine inserted and a round chambered, as well as a loaded 9 mm calibre pistol in a bag in the back of the vehicle. The United States (U.S.) traveller was arrested and the firearms and magazines were seized.

Later that day, border services officers conducted a secondary examination of a Recreational Vehicle (RV) and found a loaded .40-calibre pistol with two magazines in the bedside table at the rear of the RV. As a result, the U.S. traveller was arrested and officers seized the firearm and magazines.

On July 18, 2016, CBSA investigators charged both travellers with making false statements and smuggling under paragraph 153(a) and section 159 of the Customs Act. They were both released on bail, one for the amount of Can$5,000 and the other for the amount of Can$10,000. Their next court appearance will be on August 19, 2016, in Brockville.

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.

Quote

 “The CBSA places a high priority on the detection and interdiction of undeclared firearms and prohibited weapons along our nation’s borders. These seizures are an important reminder to travellers to declare all firearms upon entry to Canada.”

- Lance Markell, CBSA St. Lawrence District Director

Associated Links
Import and Export a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
Firearm Users Visiting Canada

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For media info:
CBSA – Regional Communications
Tel.: 613-998-2000
Email: CBSA-ASFC_NOR-RNO_Communications@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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