Increased Traffic & Significant Seizures Highlight the Year So Far for Border Officers

It's never a dull moment for officers at the Canadian Border Services Agency. especially with major border crossings seeing increased traffic this year. 

Luke Reimer, a communications officer with the CBSA, shares the significant seizure that they've seen so far this year. 

"On January 2, officers at North Portal examined a moving van and uncovered a restricted semi-automatic rifle and .45-calibre handgun that had not been declared. An Alaska-bound traveller was arrested and issued a $2,000 penalty before returning to the United States."

"On January 19, officers at North Portal opened a package that a traveller was bringing to Canada and found three overcapacity firearm magazines. She was issued a $500 penalty for failing to declare."

"On February 17, officers at North Portal seized seven grams of suspected cocaine from a returning Alberta man. He was issued a $2,800 penalty."

"On February 28 at North Portal, a returning B.C. woman declared she had purchased a horse trailer for US$13,500. Through further examination, officers determined she had actually paid US$20,000. Because she had not been truthful and presented a false bill of sale, the traveller was issued a penalty of approximately CAN$4,550. Had she made an accurate declaration, she would have paid approximately CAN$1,250 in GST."

Reimer also adds that traffic volumes have increased at both the North Portal and Estevan Highway border crossings. 

Traffic volumes at North Portal, Saskatchewan

Traffic volumes at Estevan Highway, Saskatchewan