The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that Michael Lynden Wilson, a U.S. resident, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2015 in Surrey Provincial Court to one count of making false statements contrary to the Customs Act and one count of possession of a prohibited firearm together with readily accessible ammunition contrary to the Criminal Code. Wilson was sentenced to one year in jail for each offence, to be served concurrently, and received a mandatory 10-year weapons prohibition and a $200 victim surcharge fine.
On December 10, 2014 at the Pacific Highway port of entry, CBSA officers referred Wilson for a secondary examination. During the exam, Wilson spontaneously declared that he had a “safety piece” in his jacket. CBSA officers then seized an unloaded prohibited semi-automatic handgun and two magazines loaded with ammunition from Wilson’s jacket, and arrested him. The CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) was contacted to pursue charges. CIS’s investigation revealed that the firearm and the ammunition were allegedly stolen by Wilson in a theft that occurred in the United States. The investigation also revealed that Wilson allegedly removed a GPS ankle monitoring bracelet and fled the state of California while on probation for a felony conviction of threatening crime with intent to terrorize.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
Quick Facts
- Between 2010 and 2014, border services officers in the Pacific Region have seen a 44% increase in firearms seizures (non-restricted, restricted and prohibited).
- In that same time period, the number of weapons seized has increased by almost 107%.
- Illegal firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority. CBSA officers are Canada’s first line of defense in protecting Canada from illegal weapons and other contraband.
- Canadian firearms laws are clear. All travellers must declare any firearms in their possession when they enter Canada. Anyone who does not declare them upon arrival can face prosecution. In addition, the firearms and the vehicle used to carry them may be seized.
Quotes
“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously and has strict procedures regarding the importation of weapons and firearms. This case was an excellent example of the work CBSA undertakes to safeguard the safety and security of Canadians.”
Harald Wuigk, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigations Section
Related Links
For media information
CBSA Media Relations
Vancouver, B.C.
604-818-9701
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Photo: .380 semi-automatic handgun with two magazines and 10 rounds.
