Even though the Canada-U.S border is for the most part closed right now to passenger traffic, it hasn’t stopped the Canadian Border Security Agency from being busy as they made four different weapons seizures between June 30th and July 21st.
Those seizures resulted in many weapons and firearms being turned over.
Seizure #1
On June 30, officers referred for further examination a United States resident in transit to Alaska. 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.
Seizure #2
Also on June 30, officers referred for further examination a United States 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.
Seizure #3
On July 5, officers referred for further examination a United States resident in transit to Alaska. They 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.
Seizure #4
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. CBSA Southern Saskatchewan Director Ben Tame said. ” 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.”
North Portal is one of five Canadian ports of entry identified for transit to Alaska. At this time, United States residents may only transit through Canada to Alaska for non-discretionary purposes, such as work or returning to their primary residence, and under strict conditions.
