Prosecutions and Seizures

Northern Ontario Region

Sault Ste. Marie port of entry monthly enforcement highlights

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, July 5, 2013—The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the entry of legitimate travellers and goods, while protecting the safety and security of Canadians and ensuring that Canada’s border is not used for illegal activity. This work is carried out by CBSA’s border services officers who ensure that the people, goods and conveyances entering Canada meet all requirements and are compliant with Canadian law.

In April 2013, CBSA officers at the Sault Ste. Marie port of entry processed 108,973 travellers in 72,186 vehicles, which represents an 11-percent decrease in travellers and an 8‑percent decrease in vehicles compared to April 2012. The port also processed 3,933 commercial importations, which is a 5-percent increase compared to April 2012.

Immigration highlights

In April, CBSA officers at the Sault Ste. Marie port of entry conducted more than 236 immigration interviews resulting in the issuance of 15 visitor records, 29 work permits, six confirmations of permanent residency and 11 individuals decided to voluntarily withdraw their applications to enter Canada due to various admissibility issues.

On April 1, a U.S. traveller was attempting to enter Canada for an undetermined amount of time. He was referred for a secondary examination in order to establish his intentions while in Canada and to determine the length of his stay. Officers discovered that the individual was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 2.5 years in jail. While he was in prison, he was convicted assaulting a prison employee. He was also convicted of driving while intoxicated on two occasions and of another assault charge. Due to the seriousness of the offences, he was deemed inadmissible to Canada and was advised that he would have to apply for individual rehabilitation from the Canadian Consulate in Washington D.C. to enter Canada in the future. He stated that he fully understood the requirements and was allowed to leave. His departure to the United States was confirmed.

On April 30, a U.S. traveller attempting to enter Canada en route to Vermont was referred for a secondary examination. Upon further questioning and examination, officers determined that he was looking for work in Canada and did not have a job in the United States. Officers found approximately CAN$1,000 and food hidden in the engine compartment of his vehicle. The man was given the option of withdrawing his application to enter Canada and advised of the requirements for working and living in Canada. He immediately returned to the United States.

Customs Highlights

During the month of April, CBSA officers conducted approximately 530 secondary examinations for customs purposes or on behalf of other government departments, initiated 10 seizure actions, two arrests and issued additional written warnings for undeclared or undervalued goods.

On April 9, during the search of a vehicle with two returning Canadian residents on board, CBSA Detector Dog Moka was brought in and indicated on numerous areas of the vehicle. Moka showed interest in the vehicle’s centre console; upon inspection of the area, officers found a clear bag containing suspected cocaine. They also found 112 suspected methylphenidate pills in a jacket in the vehicle. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested for possession of narcotics. The case was referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation.

Travel Tips

The CBSA reminds travellers to truthfully declare all purchases and goods received outside of Canada upon their return. Smuggling, undervaluation and other Customs Act offences may lead to seizure and/or prosecution in a court of law.

Certain foreign nationals who do not meet the requirements to overcome their criminal inadmissibility may be allowed to enter Canada with a one-time only fee-exempt temporary resident permit. For more information, please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Web site at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2012/ob389.asp.

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For media information
Caroline Desjarlais
CBSA Communications
Tel: 613-991-1591

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