Once again travellers entering Canada, hoping to dodge a few extra dollars in taxes, ended up paying significantly more for their transgressions after their schemes were uncovered by Canada Border Services Agents at border crossings in North Portal and the Estevan Highway in March of this year.
CBSA agents report that one good example occurred on March 1 when a Saskatchewan resident importing a motorhome declared its value at US$21,500.
CBSA officers conducted a routine secondary examination and found an Internet listing for the motorhome and after contacting the sellers, determined the motorhome had actually been purchased for US$36,500 and therefore had been undervalued at the port by $15,000.
The motorhome was seized and only returned to the purchaser after he had paid a penalty of $8,485.13 to retrieve it. If the motorhome had been correctly declared, the taxes owing would have amounted to just over $771.
In other border related incidents, CBSA officers reported that on March 3, a United States resident sought entry into Canada to work in Alberta.
While attempting to enter Canada at North Portal, it was noted he had previously been granted work permits in Canada, but background checks also revealed a recent conviction for driving while under the influence of alcohol, so he was refused entry.
The man returned to the port a couple of days later seeking to obtain documents to apply for a pardon so CBSA officers explained that he was not eligible to apply for a pardon, but he was advised on how to properly apply from outside Canada once he became eligible. He then returned to the U.S.
On March 6, a commercial truck driver from Wisconsin arrived at the port of entry and when a background check was made it was revealed the man had previous convictions including child abuse and three counts of battery so he was refused entry into Canada.
On the same day, a North Dakota-based commercial driver was refused entry due to a serious criminal record that included theft of government property, obstructing police and probation violation. He, too, was returned to the U.S.
On March 12, a South Dakota resident operating a commercial truck was referred for secondary examination based on his vague responses to a series of primary questions. While examining the sleeper area of the transport truck, CBSA officers found a disassembled .40 calibre handgun. The gun was seized and the man paid a $1,000 penalty before returning to the U.S.
Several suspected cannabis products were located in a vehicle being operated by a Saskatchewan resident who was returning to Canada on March 18. The items included 226 grams of suspected cannabis spray, 453 grams of suspected cannabis balm and 5.2 grams of suspected marijuana plant material. The items were seized along with the man's vehicle. Following the payment of a $2,650 penalty, the vehicle was released.
On March 20, CBSA officers seized an undeclared stun gun from a Minnesota man who was attempting to enter Canada as a visitor. The man paid a $500 penalty and was allowed to proceed with his trip into Canada.
On March 24, a Colorado man was refused entry due to his having several serious offences listed on his record including sexual assault, assault, false imprisonment, kidnapping, battery and possession of cannabis. He was returned to the U.S.
A New York resident who had been refused entry into Canada on previous occasions was once again denied entry at the North Portal Port on March 26. Further checks revealed he had been convicted of such offences as sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment, introducing contraband into a prison, burglary, assault and disorderly conduct. He was returned to the U.S.
March 19 took on extra significance for seven CBSA employees at North Portal when they were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals.
The employees were recognized for their significant achievements and continued contributions to Canadians. The recipients included director Kevin Hewson, superintendent Scott Kienlen, superintendent Tim Fogarty, superintendent Greg Arnott, chief Wayne Brown and CBSA officers Richelle Perkins, Nedra Yurkowski and Tina Longney.
