Last month, over 1,290,000 travellers entered Canada through our five lower mainland ports of entry: Boundary Bay, Douglas, Pacific Highway, Aldergrove and Abbotsford-Huntingdon. Over 44,000 commercial vehicles were processed at the commercial crossings at Pacific Highway, Aldergrove and Abbotsford-Huntingdon.
Here are two highlights from last month:
Guilty plea for aiding and abetting wanted fugitives
On May 11, 2015, Dylan Richard McBee pled guilty to human smuggling in Surrey Provincial Court. Mr. McBee was seeking entry into Canada on March 19 through the Douglas port of entry, where he told the primary officer he was travelling alone. McBee was referred for secondary examination, and during a vehicle exam border services officers discovered two individuals – Jemaell Riley and Carli Marshall – hiding under blankets in the backseat of the vehicle. Riley was in possession of a knife, and both travellers refused to exit the vehicle.
Using exceptional tactical communication skills to de-escalate the situation, border services officers were able to remove both travellers from the vehicle and place them under arrest without incident, and harm to the subjects, public, or officers. Riley and Marshall were returned to the U.S. for outstanding warrants. McBee’s sentencing is scheduled for July 27, 2015.
Charges laid for firearms smuggling
On May 22, 2015, a traveller was seeking entry into Canada through the Douglas port of entry. He did not declare a firearm during the primary examination; however, upon being referred for a more in-depth examination, the traveller admitted to having a firearm in the vehicle. The traveller was arrested and the officers discovered the sub compact semi-automatic pistol inside a concealment style holster, under some clothing, behind the center console.
Nathon Styles Smith has been charged with four criminal charges including smuggling and making false statements under the Customs Act, and possession of a prohibited firearm under the Criminal Code.
Quick facts – May 2015 statistics
- Firearm seizures: 8
- Weapons seizures: 7
- Refused entry (Allowed to Leave): 624
- Narcotics seizures: 94
Quote:
“Our officers are always on the lookout for illegal people and goods, and I am extremely proud of their continued dedication, which resulted in some significant enforcement actions last month.”
- Daniela Evans, Director, Pacific Highway District
Associated links
Contacts
CBSA Media Relations
Vancouver, B.C.
604-818-9701
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Photo caption: Firearm seized from traveller at the Douglas Port of Entry.
