OREANDA-NEWS. July 12, 2016. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) would like to share two significant seizures that took place at the Prince Rupert port of entry in British Columbia (B.C.) during the month of June.

On June 4, 2016, a traveller from the United States was seeking entry to Canada at the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal in Prince Rupert, B.C. During the secondary examination, border services officers discovered the frame of a .380 pistol hidden in the vehicle’s engine air filter. The traveller was immediately arrested and afforded her rights. The examination continued and the remaining parts of the weapon, including the barrel and slide assembly, were located in various areas of the vehicle hidden among packed goods.

The prohibited firearm was seized with no terms of release and after paying a conveyance penalty of \\$1,000, the traveller was allowed to proceed to Canada. 

On June 14, 2016, a 27-foot vessel imported from Alaska arrived at the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal. After further examination and research, border services officers determined the vessel to be undervalued by nearly US\\$24,000.

The vessel was seized but released to the importer following the payment of over CAN\\$30,000 for the duties owed on the declared value and the penalties on the portion undervalued.

Quick Facts

  • All people, goods and conveyances must report to the CBSA, respond truthfully to all questions and accurately report their goods. Failure to declare goods and other Customs Act violations may lead to seizure, monetary penalties and/or prosecution in a court of law.
  • The CBSA enforces over 90 Acts of Parliament, including the Customs Act, and enforces rules and regulations on behalf of other Government departments as they apply at the border/entry. CBSA officers may seize where there is a Customs Act contravention such as non-report/smuggling (section 159), misdescription (section 154) and evade duty and taxes (section 153).
  • In the past five years, there have been four firearm seizures at the Prince Rupert port of entry, with a total of seven firearms seized.

Quote

“Our border services officers proudly serve to protect the safety and security of Canadians by supporting legitimate trade and travel. These two seizures are an important reminder for travellers entering Canada to declare all their goods and report truthfully to border services officers.”
– Glenn Bonnett, A/Chief of Operations at the Prince Rupert port of entry, Pacific Region