GC No. 001/05 For release January 10, 2005 US RESIDENT FINED FOR IMPORTING FIREWORKS AT THE PORT OF YARMOUTH Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 10, 2005 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Transport Canada reported today that a Sarasota, Florida man who attempted to enter Canada with 20 boxes of display fireworks of a type that can only be purchased and used in Canada by trained professionals, has been fined a total of $9,500. Mr. Richard Fischer plead guilty today in Yarmouth Provincial Court to one charge of smuggling under the Customs Act and one charge under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act. On June 27, 2004, Mr. Fischer and his family entered Canada towing a trailer at the Port of Yarmouth arriving on a ferry from Portland, Maine. Upon examination of the trailer, CBSA officers found 20 boxes of fireworks, weighing about 700 pounds and valued at $1,666, and other undeclared items hidden in the trailer. CBSA officers seized the items. A court order was issued prohibiting Mr. Fischer from owning, possessing, or using any firearms or explosive devices (fireworks) for a three-year period. Protecting Canada’s borders is the CBSA’s top priority. The CBSA and Transport Canada are committed to keeping our communities safe. For information about your rights and obligations regarding the importation of fireworks and into Canada, visit the CBSA website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/explosives-e.html. - 30 - Contacts: Jennifer Morrison Communications Manager, CBSA 902-426-0580 Steve Bone Area Manager, Communications, Transport Canada 902-426-7795 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
