Officers for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at North Portal seized 18 firearms and other items from travellers trying to cross the border this summer.
On June 30, officers referred a U.S. resident in transit to Alaska for further examination. They conducted a search and seized a prohibited .45-calibre pistol, a prohibited nine-mm 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 for further examination a U.S. resident. They 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.
On July 5, officers referred for further examination a U.S. resident in transit to Alaska. They conducted a search and seized a restricted nine-mm pistol, a restricted 10-mm pistol, a prohibited blowgun and extender, five prohibited magazines and a barrel for a 10-mm 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.
Finally, on July 21, officers referred for further examination a United States resident in transit to Alaska. They conducted a search and 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,” said Ben Tame, the CBSA director for southern Saskatchewan. “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.”
