Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region

CBSA officers in Emerson seize cache of firearms and weapons

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 28, 2013 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the seizure of 16 firearms, along with weapons and prohibited devices at the port of Emerson.

On June 26, 2013, two U.S. residents arrived at the port of Emerson, seeking entry into Canada. When CBSA officers asked if there were any firearms in their vehicle or trailer, the driver declared that he had 10 long guns. Officers began a routine secondary examination of the vehicle, where they discovered the following contraband:

• 6 handguns
• 10 long arms
• 4 knives
• 2 pairs of brass knuckles, and
• 117 overcapacity magazines

"I commend our CBSA officers at Emerson for their diligence and vigilance in ensuring this contraband did not make its way onto Canadian streets and into our communities," said Lauren D. Delgaty, Regional Director General for the CBSA in the Prairie Region. "Not only is this a significant seizure, but it is also the largest firearm seizure at Emerson in recent memory."

Christopher Doyle Sanders, of Oklahoma, was arrested and turned over to the CBSA's Criminal Investigations Section. Sanders faces six charges under the Customs Act and additional charges are pending. He has been remanded into custody pending a future court appearance in Winnipeg Provincial Court.

The CBSA reminds all travellers that they are required to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including any firearms and weapons in their possession. Failure to declare goods (including firearms) and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.

For information about your rights and obligations regarding the importation of firearms and other weapons into Canada, visit the CBSA Web site.

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For media information
Lisa White
CBSA Media Relations
403-292-4011

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