Prosecutions and Seizures

Southern Ontario Region

CBSA seizes 63 litres of alcohol hidden in van at the Sombra Ferry crossing

Sombra, Ontario, July 26, 2013 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the seizure of 37 bottles (63 litres) of undeclared alcohol.

On July 10, 2013, an Ontario man was returning to Canada at the Sombra Ferry crossing and declared eight bottles of alcohol purchased at a duty free store. He was referred to a secondary examination for verification of his declaration. During the examination of the vehicle, CBSA officers found hidden alcohol in a storage compartment of the minivan. The 66-year-old man was arrested and charged under the Customs Act with non-report, non-compliance, and smuggling. All of the undeclared alcohol was seized with no terms of release.

“Our CBSA officers are vigilant when it comes to ensuring our borders are not used for illegal activities. This includes prosecuting those who contravene the Customs Act,” said Rick Comerford, Regional Director General, Southern Ontario Region.

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.

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For media information

Jean D’Amelio Swyer
Canada Border Services Agency
Southern Ontario Region
905-354-2011 or 519-967-4330

CBSA-ASFC_SouthernOntarioRegionNews@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

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