Prosecutions and Seizures

Southern Ontario Region

CBSA officers in Southern Ontario seize several firearms

Windsor, Ontario, January 28, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today various firearm seizures by border services officers (BSOs) in the Southern Ontario Region.  

On January 23, a resident of Michigan sought entry into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge and was referred for secondary examination. In secondary, border services officers discovered an undeclared firearm. The driver was charged with non-report of a firearm under subsection 12(1) and with making false statements under subsection 153 (1) of the Customs Act.

On January 22, a Michigan resident was seeking entry into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge and was referred for secondary examination where BSOs discovered an undeclared loaded semi-automatic pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition under the driver's seat. The man was arrested and charged under subsection 153(a) of the Customs Act for making false and deceptive statements and section 159 for smuggling.

On January 20, a U.S. female resident arrived at the Ambassador Bridge seeking entry into Canada. She was referred for secondary examination where the contents of her luggage were X-rayed. BSOs discovered an undeclared loaded semi-automatic pistol that had been vacuum sealed in a clothing storage bag. The woman was charged under section 12 of the Customs Act for non-report, 153(a) for making false and deceptive statements and 155 for possession of prohibited goods.

On January 12, two Michigan residents attempted to enter Canada at the Ambassador Bridge. During a secondary examination of the vehicle, BSOs discovered an undeclared loaded automatic handgun concealed in a duffle bag in the trunk. The driver took ownership of the gun and was charged with possession of a firearm and smuggling under the Customs Act.

On January 10, 2013, a resident of Michigan sought entry to Canada at the Windsor Tunnel Traffic Operations. During a secondary examination, BSOs located an undeclared prohibited revolver locked in a gun case in the trunk of the vehicle. The individual was charged under section 153(a) of the Customs Act for making untrue statements, section 155 for possession of prohibited goods and section 159 for smuggling.

“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, and our officers work diligently and vigilantly to prevent the smuggling of firearms across our borders to help make our communities safe,” said Rick Comerford, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region.

Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060. All calls are completely confidential.

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For media information

Jean D'Amelio Swyer
Communications Manager, Southern Ontario Region
905-354-2011 or 519-967-4330
CBSA-ASFC_SouthernOntarioRegionNews@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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