Undeclared firearm seized at the Pigeon River port of entry

News Release

A Minnesota woman faces numerous charges after failing to declare a firearm at the Pigeon River port of entry.

On March 18, 2015, a U.S. resident sought entry into Canada through the Pigeon River port of entry. During a secondary examination of the vehicle, border services officers found a loaded .22 calibre handgun revolver in a clothing bag.

Fannie Latoya Bennett, 35 years old, of Duluth, Minnesota, is charged with 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. The charges were laid on March 19, 2015.

Bennett was released from jail on March 20, 2015 on a $2,500 bond. Her first court appearance for these charges is scheduled on April 10, 2015 in Thunder Bay.

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

“It is the responsibility of all travellers to learn about the requirements to import a firearm into Canada. Illegal firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority.”

- 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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