Loaded handgun found on man entering Canada
News Release
News Release
For Immediate Release
Loaded handgun found on man entering Canada
February 21, 2017 Surrey, British Columbia Canada Border Services Agency
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is announcing a firearm seizure and charges against a man entering Canada at the Pacific Highway port of entry (POE).
On July 6, 2016, James Knowles was referred for a secondary examination. Knowles had not declared any firearms. While inside the CBSA office, officers found a loaded .38 calibre pistol in his waistband. He was immediately arrested by border services officers and subsequently charged by the CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section.
On January 09, 2017, Knowles appeared at Surrey Provincial Court and pleaded guilty to making false statements under section 153(a) of the Customs Act and possession of a prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition under section 95(1) of the Criminal Code. He was sentenced to a $3,000 fine for the Customs Act offence, a $3,000 fine for the Criminal Code offence and a $900 victim surcharge.
Quotes
“This seizure is a reminder for those visiting Canada that they cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons. We ask all travellers to declare their firearms or rather, leave their handguns at home.”
- Harald Wuigk, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigations Section, CBSA
Quick Facts
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In 2016, a total of 214 firearms were seized throughout the Pacific Region. Of these 214 seizures, 24 firearms were seized at the Pacific Highway POE.
The CBSA is responsible for enforcing over 90 acts of legislation, including the Customs Act and the Criminal Code. Any contravention against said Acts 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.
Associated Links
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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