On July 11, 2014, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigators at the Cornwall port of entry (POE) charged Michael Rourke, 24, from Hogansburg, New York, and Marnie Martin, 48, from Akwesasne, New York, with failing to report goods, evading duties and taxes and smuggling under the Customs Act. Martin is also charged with making false statements under the Customs Act.
Rourke and Martin arrived at the Cornwall POE, and Martin declared six cases of beer purchased from the duty-free store the previous day. The driver, Rourke, appeared to seek guidance from Martin while CBSA officers were completing routine questioning at the primary inspection line. As a result, CBSA officers decided to examine the vehicle and opened the hard top of the pickup truck’s bed. Inside they found 96 12-ounce bottles and 432 cans of a tea and lemonade-flavoured alcoholic beverage in a variety of sizes. The alcoholic beverages and vehicle were seized and a penalty of $643 was paid for the return of the vehicle.
Both were released on a promise to appear in a Cornwall court on August 19, 2014.
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 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.”
Steve MacNaughton, CBSA District Director
– 30 –
Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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