November 2016 Media Backgrounder – Southern Ontario Region

Ambassador Bridge

 

On November 5, two United States (US) residents were referred for a verification of their commercial declaration. Both the driver and passenger had declared that there were no firearms or weapons within their vehicle. However, during the examination, two undeclared handguns were found resulting in their arrest. The man and women were very cooperative during the examination and processing and it was evident that they were not familiar with the border crossing process or the area. Therefore, the determination was made to release them after a fine of CAN$500 was paid. However, the firearms were seized with no terms of release.

 

 

Windsor-Detroit Tunnel

 

As a reminder, drivers are responsible for all contents within a conveyance whether it is theirs, borrowed or rented. On November 25, a father and daughter were crossing into Windsor Ontario to visit family. The father was driving the car owned by his daughter’s boyfriend. During the examination of that vehicle, an undeclared handgun was found in the glove compartment. The handgun was loaded with a prohibited 13 round magazine. Both the father and daughter were arrested. The female stated that the vehicle belonged to her boyfriend and that neither of them was aware of the weapon. Although no criminal charges were laid against the pair, a CAN$1,500 penalty was placed against the vehicle and the firearm was seized with no terms of release.

 

In November, on two separate occasions, the CBSA intercepted individuals who were wanted in Canada for outstanding warrants. On November 9, a traveller arrived at the border on the Windsor/Detroit Tunnel bus and was confirmed to be wanted by the Windsor Police Service. The CBSA held that person until the Windsor Police were able to take custody. Similarly, on November 13, a man was arrested for both importing a narcotic as well as an outstanding warrant from the London Police Service (LPS). The CBSA seized the narcotics and although no charges were laid the individual was turned over to the LPS for the outstanding warrant.  

 

 

Blue Water Bridge

 

On November 25, a man travelling with his family in transit to Niagara Falls declared a loaded handgun, located on the back seat of the vehicle, under his coat. The vehicle was referred for an in-depth examination. During the search, the man became visibly nervous and spontaneously announced that a second loaded handgun with a prohibited 15 cartridge over capacity magazine had not been declared. The man was arrested but the determination was made not to pursue criminal charges. The undeclared firearm was seized with no terms of release and a penalty of CAN$1,500 was placed against the car. The family was allowed to leave Canada after the penalty was paid.

 

On November 24, a border services officer suspected that a traveller may have been impaired based on the individual’s behaviour during questioning. The driver was asked to provide a sample of breath into an approved screening device which resulted in the indication that he was driving with an amount of alcohol in his system that exceeded the legal limit. The male driver was arrested and turned over to the local police while the three remaining passengers were allowed to proceed home.  

 

 

Peace Bridge

On November 11, two US residents in two separate vehicles were referred to secondary for an examination. They were driving recently purchased United States vehicles that officers discovered would not be returning to the United States. Both vehicles were seized and the Criminal Investigations Division attended and laid charges under the Customs Act against both drivers for failing to report the vehicles, making false statements, failure to comply with the Customs Act, and smuggling. The subjects were taken into custody and each released on CAN$2,500 bail. The men will return to court in the new year.

 

 

Rainbow Bridge

 

On November 26, border services officers questioned a woman from the United States who was visiting Canada and had nothing to declare. During questioning, officers noticed a bulge in the subject’s shirt as well as something protruding from it. The subject was asked what the item was and she indicated that it was an envelope with money in it. The envelope was found to contain US$26,800. A second envelope, with US$9,000, was also located in her purse. The woman told the officers that she was delivering the money to an address in Niagara Falls, Ontario for a friend. The currency was seized and the woman was allowed to return to the United States. An investigation is ongoing.

 

On November 24, Michael McCrary plead guilty for attempting to evade the payment of duties and taxes and received five-days’ time served sentence and a CAN$3,000 fine. On June 5, 2016, the subject had entered Canada at the Rainbow Bridge port of entry accompanied by his wife. The pair was specifically asked by the border services officer if they had any firearms or weapons in the vehicle, and they both stated that they did not. However, during an examination of the vehicle, a loaded handgun was found under the driver’s seat. The firearm was secured and McCrary, who took ownership of the weapon, was arrested.

 

 

Queenston-Lewiston

 

On November 26, a Canadian resident was referred to secondary for the payment of duties and taxes on declared items. After parking and approaching the main entrance within 25 feet of the doors, the man turned around, returned to his vehicle and attempted to leave the property. The port alarm was sounded and the man was stopped. A search of his vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately CAN$5,000 in undeclared items. The goods and the vehicle were seized and the driver paid a penalty in the amount of CAN$2,018.