The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Criminal Investigations Unit has laid two charges under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act after officers found a woman concealed in a truck compartment at the Carway port of entry.
On June 17, 2014, Richard James Watt was seeking entry into Canada when CBSA officers examined his truck and noted anomalies with the external fuel tank located in the bed of the truck. Upon further examination, CBSA officers discovered a woman hiding inside a compartment in the rear of the tank.
The CBSA arrested Mercie Maslog Lumacad, 47, of no fixed address, and charged her with failing to report for examination. Watt, 63, of Collbran, Colorado, has also been charged with aiding and abetting Lumacad’s failure to report for examination.
Lumacad and Watt are scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on June 20, 2014.
Quick Facts
- The modified fuel tank contained a compartment measuring 16 inches high by 14 inches deep by 5.5 feet wide.
- All persons seeking entry into Canada must report to the CBSA. Failure to do so may lead to 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. All calls are completely confidential.
Quick Links:
Managing access to Canada – Fact Sheet
Quotes
“I commend our officers for their diligence every day in identifying high-risk travellers and conducting in-depth examinations based on evidence at hand. This case demonstrates our commitment to preserving the security of our borders.”
Kim Scoville, CBSA A/Regional Director General, Prairie Region
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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