CBSA Criminal Investigations successfully lays charges in multiple Beaver Creek firearms and weapons smuggling cases
Last month the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was highly successful in halting a series of weapons-related smuggling attempts at the Beaver Creek border crossing, one of Canada’s northern most ports of entry between the Yukon Territory and the United States.
On March 1, 2014, Wayne Robert Eckler, a resident of Alaska, attempted to enter at the Beaver Creek border crossing and failed to declare several firearms in his possession. During an in-depth secondary examination, officers discovered the firearms. The CBSA subsequently charged Eckler on March 14 with one count for the unauthorized possession of firearm and one count for the possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition under Canada’s Criminal Code.
On March 5, 2014, in the Whitehorse Territorial Court, the CBSA charged U.S. resident Roger Allen Marden with two counts of smuggling and two counts of possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon under the Criminal Code and Customs Act. These charges stem from seizure action that took place on February 15, 2014, when Marden sought entry to Canada and failed to declare a handgun, a loaded assault rifle and an empty 30-round magazine. Marden’s first court appearance was April 2, 2014.
Also on March 5, 2014, the CBSA swore nine counts of firearms-related smuggling offences against U.S. resident Philip Plemons under the Criminal Code and Customs Act. The charges stem from February 24, when Plemons declared three non-restricted firearms and was referred for a secondary examination to verify his declaration. While examining his vehicle, officers located ammunition and magazines for a handgun. After further questioning and examination, officers also discovered a handgun, an assault rifle and an additional 79 prohibited magazines.
The Beaver Creek port of entry, while northern and remote, remains steadfast in ensuring the continued safety and security of all Canadians from all cross-border threats and illegal activity.
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.
- Restricted firearms and prohibited weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority. When border services officers find undeclared and/or restricted/prohibited firearms or weapons they are seized under the authority of the Customs Act.
- CBSA officers play an essential role in intercepting prohibited weapons and other contraband.
- The CBSA welcomes all tips on suspicious cross-border activity. Please call the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060
Quote
“Every day, border services officers in remote border crossings work extremely hard to safeguard the safety and security of Canadians. In a small community such as Beaver Creek, we are protecting those Canadians who are our friends, our families and members of the community we often know by name. We take great pride in situations such as these, where we have made a real difference in the communities that we serve.”
Trevor Baird, Chief of Operations CBSA, Whitehorse
Related Products
Associated Links
- 30 -
Contacts
CBSA Media Relations
Vancouver, British Columbia
204-983-4665
Follow us on Twitter (@CanBorder), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel
