The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that between April 1 and June 30, 2014, there were 37 firearm seizures in the Pacific Region, compared to 24 seizures for the same period last year. This is a 54% increase.
Here are some of the most notable seizures:
On June 18, 2014, border services officers (BSOs) at the Pacific Highway border crossing seized a restricted handgun and three overcapacity cartridge magazines from a United States (U.S.) resident. The firearm was disassembled into two pieces, the firearm’s slide and barrel were found in the vehicle’s centre console, and the firearm’s frame was in the front pocket of a soft-sided cooler in the front of the vehicle.
On June 12, 2014, two U.S. residents arrived at the Pacific Highway border crossing, seeking entry into Canada. When BSOs asked if there were any firearms in their vehicle, the driver declared that he had 16 long guns. Officers began a routine secondary examination of the vehicle, where they discovered five non-declared restricted handguns.
On May 30, 2014, a U.S. resident sought entry at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon border crossing. The primary officer asked if there were any firearms or weapons in the vehicle and the driver declared three long guns. During a routine secondary examination, officers located a pistol from the bottom of a blue bin in the middle of the vehicle.
Quick Facts
- Of the 37 seizures, CBSA has laid 15 charges against 17 individuals, with more possible charges to come.
- Canadian residents and non-residents importing firearms and weapons into Canada must declare them and meet all licensing and registration requirements under the Firearms Act.
- The CBSA welcomes all tips on suspicious cross-border activity; please call the Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 if you have information.
Quotes
“Canadian firearm laws are clear: all persons must declare all firearms and weapons in their possession when they enter Canada. The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, including the interdiction of prohibited firearms and weapons.”
Doug Mossey, A/Chief, Criminal Investigations Section
Associated Links
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Contacts
CBSA Media Relations
Vancouver, B.C.
604-818-9701
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