On October 8, 2014, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigators at the Pigeon River port of entry (POE) charged Elaine Margaret Schwab-Sunderlin with non-report of goods, wilful evasion, possession of illegally imported goods, and smuggling under sections 12(1), 153(c), 155 and 159 of the Customs Act after she failed to declare a handgun and several boxes of ammunition.
Schwab-Sunderlin, 57, of Lyons, Michigan, arrived at the Pigeon River POE on October 1, 2014, in a recreational vehicle (RV) and did not declare any firearms or weapons. She was referred for a secondary examination. During the search of the RV, CBSA officers found a loaded .38 caliber handgun and several boxes of ammunition. The handgun was seized with no terms of release.
Schwab-Sunderlin was released on a recognizance and her first court appearance date is set for November 21, 2014 in Thunder Bay.
Quick Facts
- Canadian residents and non-residents importing firearms into Canada must meet all licensing and registration requirements under the Firearms Act.
- Canadian firearms laws are clear. All persons, including Canadians, must declare all firearms and weapons in their possession when they enter Canada.
- Failure to declare goods, including firearms and weapons, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
- 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
“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, including the interdiction of prohibited firearms and weapons. Firearm and weapon seizures like these serve as a reminder of the important role CBSA officers play in keeping our communities safe.”
- Tuula Schuler, CBSA District Director
Associated Links
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Contact
Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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