On February 18, 2014, CBSA investigators at the Lansdowne port of entry (POE) charged David Alan Rains, 52, of Waterville, Minnesota, with non-report of goods, making false statements, and smuggling under sections 12, 153(a) and 159 of the Customs Act, as well as unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, and careless transportation of a firearm under sections 91(1), 95(1) and 86(1) of the Criminal Code.
Rains arrived at the Lansdowne POE on February 18, 2014, and he was referred for a secondary examination. During the search of his vehicle, CBSA officers found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in a laptop bag in the front passenger seat and Rains was arrested. Rains appeared at the Brockville courthouse on March 6, 2014. His next court appearance has not yet been determined.
On February 15, 2014, CBSA investigators at the Lansdowne POE charged Bruce Michael Young, 61, of Tempe, Arizona, with possession of a prohibited loaded handgun and unlawfully importing a prohibited firearm under sections 95(1) and 104(1) of the Criminal Code as well as non-report of goods, making false statements, and smuggling under sections 12(1), 153(a) and 159 of the Customs Act.
Young sought entry to Canada at the Lansdowne POE on February 14, 2014. When asked if he was in possession of any firearms or weapons, he replied that he was not. However, during a secondary examination, Young admitted to officers that he was in possession of a loaded handgun in the cab of his truck. CBSA officers located and seized the handgun and arrested Young. He was released on $9,500 bail and his next court appearance at the Brockville courthouse is scheduled for April 11, 2014.
Quick Facts
- Canadian firearms 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.
Quote
“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, including the interdiction of prohibited firearms. 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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Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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