In February 2015, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the Lansdowne (Thousand Islands Bridge) port of entry seized two firearms during routine secondary inspections which resulted in charges against three travellers.
On February 17, 2015, Jeffrey Watson Hawksworth, 50, and his son, Isaac Watson Hawksworth, 29, both of Paynesville, Minnesota, arrived at the Lansdowne port of entry and did not declare any firearms when asked by the primary inspection officer. They were referred for a secondary examination and during the search of their vehicle, officers found a .40 caliber pistol inside a backpack. Both individuals were arrested and charged by CBSA investigators with non-report of goods, making false statements and smuggling under section 12, paragraph 153(a) and section 159 of the Customs Act. They were also charged with careless transportation of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition accessible, under subsections 86(1), 91(1) and 95(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
They were released on bail on February 23, 2015, and their next court appearance is scheduled for March 6, 2015, at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brockville, Ontario.
On February 11, 2015, Keith Goodwin, 49, of Uniontown, Ohio, arrived at the Lansdowne port of entry and did not declare any firearms when questioned by the primary inspection officer. He was referred for a secondary examination and during the search of his vehicle, officers discovered a prohibited 9mm semi-automatic handgun concealed within a duffle bag in the cab of his truck. The firearm was found with a full magazine but no round in the chamber. Goodwin was arrested and charged 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 loaded prohibited firearm under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Goodwin has been remanded into custody until his next court appearance scheduled for February 27, 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. Seizures like these serve as a reminder of the important role CBSA officers play in keeping our communities safe.”
Lance Markell, CBSA St. Lawrence District Director
Associated Links
Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
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Contact
Caroline Desjarlais
Canada Border Services Agency
Northern Ontario Region
613-991-1591
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