On February 24, 2014, Ryan Rubinstein of Coupville, Washington, was sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice at Brockville, Ontario to one count of non-report of imported goods under the Customs Act, and to one count of possession of a loaded prohibited firearm under the Criminal Code of Canada. He is also prohibited from possessing any firearm, cross-bow, prohibited weapon, restricted weapon, prohibited device, ammunition, prohibited ammunition or explosive substance for 10 years.
Rubinstein sought entry to Canada on May 13, 2013 at the Lansdowne port of entry and denied having any weapons or firearms in his possession. A secondary examination revealed a loaded 9mm handgun, 15 high-capacity cartridge magazines and a butterfly knife.
Quick Facts
- Canadian firearm laws are clear. All persons, including Canadians, must declare all firearms and weapons in their possession when they enter Canada.
- Failure to declare goods, including firearms, and other Customs Act contraventions 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.
Quotes
“The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds all travellers to truthfully declare all goods, including firearms, when entering Canada. Weapon and firearm seizures like these serve as a reminder of the important role CBSA officers play in keeping our communities safe.”
Lance Markell, CBSA District Director
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
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Chris Kealey
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-5197
