On February 3, Rita Jean Shepard, 63, of Florida, pled guilty in Winnipeg Provincial Court to smuggling and making false statements under the Customs Act. She was sentenced to eight days (time served) and a $4,500 fine.
On August 18, 2013, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers examined Shepard’s vehicle and seized an undeclared automatic pistol.
Quick Facts
- Shepard’s pistol was concealed, wrapped in clothing in a container in her vehicle.
- In 2013, officers in Southern Manitoba seized 21 prohibited firearms, 18 restricted firearms, and 141 prohibited devices were seized – the majority was seized at Emerson
- Travellers are required to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including any firearms and weapons in their possession.
- Failure to declare goods, including firearms, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
Associated Links
Contact
Sean Best
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
204-983-4665
Follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.
