Top 2016 enforcement highlights at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon port of entry

May 11, 2017                         Abbotsford, British Columbia                 Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announces the 2016 year-end enforcement highlights at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon port of entry (POE).

In 2016, border services officers (BSOs) at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon POE processed more than 1,513,000 travellers in over 804,000 cars and 111,000 commercial trucks. At this POE, BSOs executed 271 seizure actions, including 163 narcotic seizures, and refused entry to foreign nationals on 641 occurrences.

 A total of 55 firearms were seized at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon POE.  

Here are several highlights:

On April 21, a suspected explosive device was discovered during a secondary examination of a traveller’s vehicle. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Explosives Disposal Unit arrived on site and deemed the suspected explosive device safe (inert). In addition to the inert grenade, BSOs seized prohibited magazines, ammunition, a small artillery round, pepper spray and a bulletproof vest. The traveller was denied entry into Canada and returned to the United States.

On June 9, two United States residents were seeking entry to Canada, en route to Alaska. Inside the travellers’ truck and trailer, BSOs discovered and seized five handguns, eight rifles, two shotguns and multiple prohibited magazines. After paying a seizure penalty of $8,500, the travellers were permitted to enter Canada. Additionally, the CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section recommended charges under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code in Abbotsford Provincial Court against the traveller who took ownership of the firearms.       

On June 22, during a secondary examination of a pickup truck, BSOs discovered a person hiding in the back. The driver was charged with misrepresentation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the hidden passenger was charged with eluding under the IRPA. Both pled guilty and received a five-day jail sentence.

In addition to the enforcement highlights, as part of our commitment and support to the community, employees at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon POE raised over $19,000 for the Government of Canada Charitable Workplace Campaign. The funds raised support families in the community, the United Way of the Lower Mainland and many other worthy causes.