North Carolina man pleads guilty to two charges
On May 29, 2014, David Scott Blankenship, 42, of North Carolina pleaded guilty to non-report and making false statements under the Customs Act. He was sentenced to three days (time served) and ordered to pay a fine and court costs in the amount of $8,975.
On May 27, 2014, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Emerson port of entry examined Blankenship’s vehicle and trailer and seized two undeclared handguns: a prohibited .38 calibre revolver located inside a cowboy boot among Blankenship’s belongings and a prohibited .40 calibre pistol located under the seat of an ATV being hauled on the trailer.
Officers arrested Blankenship and turned him over to the CBSA Criminal Investigations Unit.
Quick Facts
- CBSA officers in Emerson have seized four prohibited firearms this year. In 2013, CBSA officers in the Southern Manitoba District seized 14 prohibited firearms, 18 restricted firearms, and 120 prohibited devices – the majority at Emerson.
- The CBSA advises travellers that they 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.
Quote
“Preventing illegal firearms from crossing our borders continues to be a priority for the CBSA. I’m proud of the work that our officers do, each and every day, in protecting Canada from outside threats.”
- Kim Scoville, CBSA A/Regional Director General for the Prairie Region
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
Contacts
Sean Best
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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