From Woolly Mammoth tusks to $100k worth of jewellery - anything can happen at the border

Southern Ontario Region September highlights include firearms, drugs, jewellery, animal products, and illegal persons

October 31, 2016                      Niagara Falls, Ontario               Canada Border Services Agency

This September the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continued to seize numerous weapons and firearms at border crossings in the Southern Ontario Region. Additionally, the Agency encountered an undeclared allotment of jewellery with an estimated value of just under CAN$100,000 as well as an undervalued Woolly Mammoth tusk.

On September 9, a vehicle driven by a female U.S. resident crossed at the Ambassador Bridge and was referred for further examination. The examination of her vehicle revealed several empty jewellery boxes. A subsequent search of the woman's handbag resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of gold jewellery, which the woman stated was from Dubai. Although the driver was allowed to proceed into Canada, the jewellery was detained for appraisal and its value was determined to be CAN$99,000. The Customs Act charges of non-report, making false statements, and attempting to evade the payment of taxes were laid against the woman and an arrest warrant was issued. She has not yet been apprehended.

Quick Facts

• If you need information about importing a specific firearm or weapon, contact the Canadian Firearms Program or the Border Information Service.
• Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.

Related Products

See <Backgrounder> for additional seizure highlights.

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Contacts

Southern Ontario Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
CBSA-ASFC_SouthernOntarioRegionNews@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Media Line: 1-844-580-3636

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