On January 16, 2015, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigators at the Lansdowne port of entry (Thousand Islands Bridge) charged Derre Avante Chambliss with non-report of goods, making false statements and smuggling under the Customs Act. He was also charged with careless transportation of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Chambliss, 49, of Charlotte, NC, arrived at the Lansdowne port of entry on January 16, 2015 and did not declare any firearms or prohibited weapons. He was referred for a secondary examination. During the search of his vehicle, CBSA officers found a box of ammunition with 13 rounds missing. They then located a .40 calibre pistol and ammunition and arrested him.
Chambliss was released on $10,000 bail on January 19, 2015. His next court appearance is February 6, 2015, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville, Ontario.
Quick Facts
- Canadian firearms laws are clear. 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.
- 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 places a high priority on the detection and interdiction of undeclared firearms and prohibited weapons along our nation’s borders. As Canada’s first line of defense against the smuggling of contraband, we make a valuable contribution to enhancing the safety and security of our communities.”
- Lance Markell, CBSA St. Lawrence 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
Photo: Firearm seized at the Lansdowne port of entry on January 16, 2015.
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