Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers remained diligent in their efforts to protect Canadians by intercepting high-risk commodities, like undeclared firearms, while also conducting COVID-19 screening.
At North Portal, Saskatchewan, officers seized 18 guns at the border during the summer of 2020. The following represent some of the most significant cases:
Officers referred for further examination a United States resident in transit to Alaska on June 30. They conducted a search and seized a prohibited .45-calibre pistol; a prohibited 9mm pistol; a .22-calibre rifle; a 12-gauge shotgun; two prohibited pistol crossbows; a prohibited airsoft replica firearm; a prohibited stun gun; a prohibited switchblade; and a prohibited magazine.
Officers arrested the traveller and seized his vehicle, which was released upon payment of a $4,500 penalty. He forfeited the seized items and returned to the United States.
Also, on June 30, officers referred a United States citizen for further examination. The officers conducted a search and seized a restricted .44-calibre revolver; a restricted .22-calibre handgun; a .50-calibre muzzleloader rifle; two .22-calibre rifles; a .17-calibre rifle; a .410 shotgun; two sets of prohibited nunchaku sticks; a prohibited blow gun; a prohibited brass knuckles device (bladed); and 17 prohibited magazines.
The traveller was arrested and forfeited the restricted and prohibited items. The CBSA Criminal Investigation Section has since charged William Terry McBride, 51, on three counts pursuant to the Customs Act and on two counts pursuant to the Criminal Code.
The accused was released and a court date is to be determined.
Officers referred a United States resident in transit to Alaska for examination on July 5. The officers conducted a search and seized a restricted 9mm pistol; a restricted 10mm pistol; a prohibited blowgun and extender; five prohibited magazines; and a barrel for a 10mm handgun.
Officers arrested the traveller and seized his vehicle, which was released upon payment of a $3,000 penalty. He forfeited the seized items and returned to the United States.
Officers examined another United States resident in transit to Alaska on July 21. After conducting a search, officers seized a prohibited, AR-15 pattern semi-automatic rifle; three prohibited magazines; and a prohibited silencer (suppressor).
Officers arrested the traveller and seized his vehicle, which was held for payment of a $1,500 penalty. He forfeited the seized items and returned to the United States.
“While the border remains closed to discretionary travel, the CBSA team at North Portal continues to stand on guard for Canadians, 24-7. This past summer, our officers have been successful in mitigating a variety of threats, including the spread of COVID-19 and also the risk posed by undeclared firearms entering the country,” said Ben Tame, Director for the Canada Border Services Agency in southern Saskatchewan.
