May 21, 2014 Lansdowne, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency
On May 1, 2014, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigators at the Lansdowne port of entry (POE) charged Jacques Van Strydonck, 67, of Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, with evading compliance and smuggling under sections 153(c) and 159 of the Customs Act.
Van Strydonck arrived at the Lansdowne POE on May 1, 2014, after a six-month absence, in a motorhome that was purchased in the United States. During questioning by CBSA officers, Van Strydonck failed to declare his motorhome in order to avoid paying the duties and taxes.
As a result, officers arrested him since he failed to provide truthful information concerning the importation of his motorhome. Van Strydonck was released on $500 bail and is scheduled to appear at the Brockville Court House on June 6, 2014.
The motorhome was seized and released back to Van Strydonck upon payment of a $72,326 penalty. Had the motorhome been declared, the duties and taxes owing would have amounted to approximately $33,586.
Quick Facts
- The Customs Act requires every person entering Canada to accurately and truthfully declare all goods being brought into the country and, if required, present those goods for examination.
- Failure to properly declare goods, including vehicles and motorhomes, may result in seizure action, monetary penalties and/or criminal prosecution.
- 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
“When it comes to declaring purchases made outside of Canada, it’s always best to make a full declaration.”
- Lance Markell, CBSA District Director
Associated Links
Importation of Vehicles
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Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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