FREDERICTON – August 28, 2013 – On August 26-27, the RCMP’s maritime unit in St. Andrew's, New Brunswick and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) station in Eastport, Maine conducted a joint law enforcement patrol along the St. Croix River, offshore to the Grand Manan Channel. This collaborative program is part of the Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations (ICMLEO) known as Canada-U.S. Shiprider.
As a result of the 2 day operations, several vessels were stopped and boarded by specially trained and designated members of the USCG & RCMP. Although no arrest or seizures were made, the program was well received by the boating public.
Cross-border crime is a two-way challenge that has implications for both Canadian and U.S. citizens. Shiprider removes jurisdictional road blocks associated with an international border. It allows specially trained and cross designated Canadian and American law enforcement to work side by side while under the direct supervision of the host country officer."
"It has taken innovation and a lot of teamwork to build this important program," said Capt. Brian Gilda, commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. "And a joint effort like Shiprider offers the best solution to counteracting criminal activities on the waterways shared between our two countries."
“This two day blitz is an example of a cooperative approach to conducting integrated cross-border maritime law enforcement operations,” said Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean. “Canadians can expect to encounter more Shiprider vessels on the waterways as the RCMP and the USCG continue our efforts in the enforcement of Canadian and American laws.”
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In 2009, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security and Canada's Minister of Public Safety signed the Framework Agreement on ICMLEO between the U.S. and Canada to govern the deployment of operations.
In June 2012, Canada passed legislation, with respect to the Framework agreement, which paved the way for ICMELO operations. The final two policy agreements were signed between the two countries in June 2013 enabling Shiprider operations.
RCMP
RCMP Media Relations
613-843-5999
USCG
First Coast Guard District Public Affairs
408 Atlantic Ave
Boston, Mass.
617-223-8515
