The traffic volume at the major international land border crossing from North Dakota into Saskatchewan this past month was down slightly compared with September of last year, but the number of incidents that required intervention by Canada Border Services Agency officers did not diminish.
The September report from CBSA showed a variety of events for the officials, beginning with a Sept. 2 seizure of 31 over-capacity ammunition magazines and a 12-ounce can of pepper spray from one traveller who was en route to Alaska. A false declaration by the motorist resulted in a $1,000 penalty that was paid before he could continue on his way.
Another Sept. 2 incident saw border officers refuse entry into Canada to a 58-year-old man who claimed he wanted to travel to Regina for a day. The background check revealed the man had a violent criminal history including murder, battery, intimidation, driving under the influence of alcohol causing death, cocaine trafficking and more. He was refused entry.
On Sept. 4, a 41-year-old man working in North Dakota informed officers he was coming to Estevan for a haircut. A routine background check revealed the man had multiple convictions in Nevada for DUIs as well as drug trafficking and child neglect. He had to get his hair cut in North Dakota.
A 39-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman from Tennessee were refused entry on Sept. 10. Their criminal records and non-genuine status as visitors led to the decision to refuse them entry. The pair stated they wanted to check out the nightlife in Regina, but an examination of their vehicle revealed seven cellphones, which contained evidence the pair were linked to the drug and sex trade. Further background checks revealed the man had a lengthy criminal record that included the carrying of a concealed weapon, possession of stolen goods and possession of drugs, among other things. The female had convictions for prostitution, DUI and theft.
The duo was returned to the United States.
On Sept. 11, a total of 11 people were refused entry into Canada at the North Portal port of entry. Most were refused on the grounds of previous criminal convictions, including one 63-year-old man from Kansas who was delivering a motorhome to Alberta before it was learned he had convictions for theft, and breaking and entering. He and the motorhome were returned to the U.S.
On Sept. 16, a 39-year-old man said he was coming to Canada to visit a friend. The background check on him revealed he had been convicted of grand theft for stealing a motorcycle. He also had outstanding charges against him for another grand theft incident, burglary of conveyance, resisting arrest, aiding and abetting, probation violations and three occurrences when he failed to appear in court plus two battery convictions and a charge of withholding child support. He was refused entry into Canada.
On Sept. 17, CBSA officers issued a $2,000 penalty against an importer in a case involving an undervalued classic truck. The truck had a declared value of $800 but was actually purchased for more than $4,600. Had it been properly declared, the importer would have paid $230 in GST.
On Sept. 25, a 25-year-old foreign national residing in Saskatchewan applied for a work permit. During the examination CBSA officers discovered he had already been working in Canada for one employer for about one year. A removal order was issued and his departure from Canada was confirmed from the Vancouver International Airport on Oct. 2. He is now barred from Canada for one year.
On Sept. 25, a 28-year-old Nebraska man sought entry into Canada for work with an Alberta-based trucking company. The man was not in possession of documents that would get him a work permit, and in addition, it was noted he had been convicted of mischief, assault, attempted strangulation and three probation violations plus violation of restraining orders. He was refused entry.
On Sept. 29, a 68-year-old Illinois man on his way to Alberta for a two-day visit was denied entry after it was discovered he had multiple convictions for attempted murder, burglary, armed violence and aggravated battery.
At the Estevan Highway port of entry, there were a few incidents that required additional attention from CBSA officials.
It was noted that traffic volume had decreased at this port too on a year-over-year basis with 5,308 travellers reporting in this year compared with 5,538 travellers last year. Commercial truck traffic was also down from 488 trucks in September of 2012 to 210 in September of this year.
Ten people were refused entry into Canada at the Estevan Highway port last month. That included a 19-year-old man who told officers on Sept. 14 he was travelling to Calgary for a visit, for as long as he would be authorized to stay.
A background check revealed the man had been refused entry three hours earlier at North Portal where he had informed officers there he was moving to Canada to attend school, but had no documentation to support this claim. He told Estevan Highway border officers he was not aware of the application to study rules. He was returned to the U.S.
On Sept. 28, a North Dakota man said he was going to enter Saskatchewan to visit the local area for the day, but he was denied entry after background checks showed he had been convicted for home invasion, assault and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, among other things.
At the nearby port of entry at Torquay, a 58-year-old man working in North Dakota was denied entry on Sept. 7. His background check indicated he had been convicted of sexual assault of a minor.
At the Oungre port of entry in September, 23 people were denied entry including a 57-year-old commercial trucker on Sept. 7. His background check revealed a child abuse conviction in Oklahoma. He, and the commercial load he was carrying destined for Alberta, were sent back to the U.S.
On Sept. 22, a 27-year-old North Dakota resident was seeking entry into Canada for a duck hunt in north central Saskatchewan. During a routine examination it was determined he had two DUI convictions and charges laid against him for resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident and destruction of property. During an examination of his vehicle, officers also uncovered undeclared, prohibited pepper spray that was seized before he was refused entry and sent back to the U.S.
