Attempted smuggling of infant lizards results in fine

On October 14, 2016, following charges laid by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Mr. Gregory Anderson was fined $6,000 for attempting to smuggle six infant Uromastyx Ornate Lizards into Canada at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon port of entry (POE).

 

On October 27, 2015‎, Anderson was sent to secondary. During the exam, he failed to declare the lizards, which are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

 

The border services officer discovered the hidden reptiles in the pocket of his hooded sweatshirt. The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section reviewed all the evidence and swore charges against Anderson under the Customs Act.‎ ECCC’s Enforcement Branch, after consulting with the CBSA, subsequently charged him under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).

 

Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements under paragraph 153(a) of the Customs Act and one count of importing an animal without a permit under subsection 6(2) of the WAPPRIITA. Of the total penalty, $5,000 will be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund.

 

Quotes

“Our border services officers work diligently to intercept the illegal importation of restricted and prohibited goods including endangered species. This seizure also highlights the important partnership between the CBSA and Environment and Climate Change Canada in protecting our ecosystems.”

– Harald Wuigk, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigations Section, CBSA Pacific Region

 

“We work with the CBSA to further Canada’s conservation goals by detecting and prosecuting the illegal movement of wildlife at our borders.”

- John Wong, Regional Director, Wildlife Enforcement Directorate, ECCC Pacific and Yukon Region

 

Quick Facts

• Last year, BSOs at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon POE processed 1,718,410 travelers.
• From 2011 to 2016 (up to October 31) there were 42 animal seizures made under the Customs Act at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon POE.
• The CBSA is responsible for enforcing over 90 Acts of Parliament including the Customs Act and jointly with ECCC, WAPPRIITA. Any contravention against said Acts may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
• In Canada, ECCC’s Enforcement Branch enforces federal wildlife laws. The department works closely with CBSA, territorial and provincial governments as well as police forces across Canada.
• Annually, international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and to include hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. The existence of the CITES to ensure the sustainability of trade is an important part of safeguarding these resources for the future.
• The Environmental Damages Fund provides an effective and innovative mechanism for responding to environmental damage by applying fines and voluntary payments to projects that support environmental initiatives.

 

Associated Link

 

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060.

 

 

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Contacts

Media Relations, Pacific Region

Canada Border Services Agency

Telephone: 604-818-9701

Email: PAC_CBSA-Communications@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

 

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Photo caption: Infant lizards seized by border services officers at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon port of entry.

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