Prosecutions and Seizures

Pacific Region

Undeclared handguns and ammunition seized by CBSA

Vancouver, British Columbia, June 6, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that officers recently seized three undeclared handguns and ammunition in two unrelated seizure actions at the Pacific Highway and Douglas ports of entry.

On May 26, 2013, Wilma Allen, an Arizona resident, arrived at the Douglas (Peace Arch) border crossing seeking entry to Canada, and was referred for a secondary examination. During the vehicle search, border services officers found two undeclared prohibited firearms in her vehicle. The firearms were seized and she was immediately arrested. She has been charged under the Customs Act and Criminal Code of Canada for smuggling and possessing a firearm without being the holder of an authorization or licence. Allen was released on $10,000 bail and her next court date is scheduled for June 6, 2013.

On May 29, 2013, Tennessee resident Earl Copeland arrived at the Pacific Highway border crossing seeking entry to Canada. During primary examination, Copeland declared he was not in possession of any firearms or weapons. A secondary examination was conducted to determine his admissibility to Canada. Officers conducted a pocket exam of the traveller and he admitted he had a gun in his pocket. Officers located an unloaded 32 caliber revolver in his front pocket. During the search of his vehicle, officers found six rounds of ammunition in the vehicle's front centre console as well. The undeclared prohibited weapon and ammunition were seized with no terms of release.

On May 31, Copeland pled guilty in Surrey Provincial Court to making false statements to a border services officer in relation to a firearm, contrary to section 153(a) of the Customs Act; and possession of an unloaded prohibited firearm, together with readily accessible ammunition that is capable of being discharged in the firearm, without authorization, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined $5,000.

The CBSA reminds all travellers to truthfully declare all goods they bring with them into Canada, including firearms. For more information, please refer to the I Declare brochure on the CBSA Web site.

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For media information

CBSA Media Relations
Vancouver, B.C.
604-818-9701

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