The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has had a summer filled with activity across its border crossings in southern Alberta. This summer, there was a slight increase in traffic in both July and August with 283,342 travellers. However, more significantly was the volume of seizures.
Here are some recent summer activities in southern Alberta:
On July 4, a 46-year-old man arrived at Chief Mountain en route to Waterton Lakes National Park. He was refused entry after officers discovered he had an extensive criminal record of over 30 convictions for various offences. He returned to the U.S.
On August 22, a man applying for his permanent residence status at Coutts was arrested by CBSA officers for possession of child pornography following a routine examination. Charges are pending from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
On August 24, a man in Canada on a work permit arrived at Coutts with his girlfriend to apply to have her added to his work permit as a dependant. Further examination revealed that the relationship was not genuine. An examination of their vehicle also uncovered 2.5 grams of marijuana. Both were charged by the RCMP and have returned to the U.S. pending court appearance. The man’s work permit was revoked.
On August 25, Craig Loren Balzer was arrested in Carway as he attempted to enter Canada with three firearms. He is facing 10 criminal charges under the Customs Act and Criminal Code and was released on $5,000 recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on October 8, 2014.
Quick Facts
- There were 30 firearms seized in July and August 2014, which is two times more than in 2013. As a result of these seizures, CBSA criminal investigators have laid 50 charges under the Customs Act and Criminal Code against 10 people.
- There were 29 narcotics seizures, the majority of which were marijuana and hashish.
- Officers issued $19,000 in penalties for various undeclared goods valued at over $113,000. The majority of undeclared goods were vehicles, boats and RVs.
- CBSA officers also processed an abundance of immigration-related requests, including 2,032 confirmations of permanent residency status, 437 work permits, and 98 study permits.
- Thorough background checks are conducted against each person entering Canada. As result of these checks, 374 foreign nationals were refused entry for criminality or other reasons. Nineteen returning Canadians were arrested, including 11 on outstanding warrants.
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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