The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) had a summer filled with activities across its border crossings in southern Saskatchewan. At North Portal, Saskatchewan’s busiest port, there was a slight increase in traffic in July and August with 70, 670 travellers. More significant, however, was the volume of seizures.
Here are some recent summer activities in southern Saskatchewan:
On July 4, an Alaska man was seeking entry to Canada on his way home. Background checks revealed convictions for three counts of sexual assault against a child. During the secondary examination, the man was unable to provide officers with the password for his computer, which was then seized for suspicion of child pornography and forwarded to CBSA investigations for further examination. The man was refused entry to Canada and returned to the United States pending the outcome of the investigation.
The most recent seizure occurred on August 17 when officers in North Portal arrested Michael Lee Reuter as he attempted to enter Canada with a restricted handgun and a prohibited switchblade. He is facing four criminal charges under the Customs Act and Criminal Code and was released on recognisance pending the court outcome.
Quick Facts
- There were 12 firearms seized in July and August 2014, which is four times more than 2013 and the most in at least five years.
- 23 weapons were seized during this period, including 11 canisters of pepper spray/tear gas, two cross bows, two stun guns and six switchblades. There were nine narcotics seizures, the majority of which was marijuana.
- CBSA officers also processed several immigration-related requests, including 723 confirmations of permanent residency status, 226 work permits, and 20 study permits.
- Thorough background checks are conducted against each person entering Canada. As a result of these checks, 200 foreign nationals were refused entry for criminality or other reasons; and ten returning Canadians were arrested, two on outstanding warrants and two for impaired driving. The suspected impaired drivers had both registered blood alcohol levels in excess of 100mgs.
- Officers issued $17,2998.84 in penalties for various undeclared goods valued at over $97,041.83. The majority of undeclared goods were vehicles, boats and animals.
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
1-844-245-2272
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