Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers have charged a Minnesota resident with smuggling firearms following a vehicle search last week at the Fort Frances port of entry.
On March 17, 2015, two U.S. residents arrived at the Fort Frances port of entry to apply for Remote Area Border Crossing Permits. Both had nil declarations but the primary officer referred the vehicle for a secondary examination. During the examination, officers found one prohibited 9 mm handgun and one restricted .22 calibre handgun and three magazines. The driver claimed ownership of both handguns and after officers determined that the passenger was unaware of the handguns in the vehicle, the passenger was released.
The driver, Richard Ostman, 63-years-old of Angora, Minnesota, is charged with two counts each of violating subsection 12(1)—Non-Report of Goods, paragraph 153(c)—Wilful Evasion, section 155—Possession of Illegally Imported Goods and section 159—Smuggling, all under the Customs Act. He was released on a promise to appear and US$400 recognizance. His first court appearance is May 4, 2015, in Fort Frances. The firearms were seized with no terms of release.
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.”
- Tuula Schuler, CBSA Northwestern District Director
Associated Links
Fact Sheet: Planning to Bring Firearms to Canada?
Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada
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Chris Kealey
Canada Border Services Agency
613-991-5197
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Photo: Firearms seized by CBSA officers at Fort Frances on March 17, 2015.
