On November 27, 2014, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Lansdowne port of entry (POE) (Thousand Island Bridge) arrested Bassamba Sao for non-report of goods, making false statements and smuggling under sections 12(1), 153(a), and 159 of the Customs Act. He was also charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless transportation of a firearm and possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition readily accessible under sections 91(1), 86(1) and 95 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Sao, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, arrived at the Lansdowne POE and did not declare any firearms or weapons. He was referred for a secondary examination. During the search of his vehicle, CBSA officers found a duffel bag containing a .40 caliber firearm, a loose round and two magazines containing ammunition.
Sao was released on bail on December 2, 2014. His next court appearance is January 9, 2015, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville, Ontario.
Quick Facts
- 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
“Our officers are the first line of defense in protecting Canadians from the smuggling of firearms and weapons. Seizures like this one serve as a reminder of the important role CBSA officers play in keeping our communities safe.”
- Lance Markell, CBSA District Director
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
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Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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