Canada Border Services Agency officers have charged four U.S. residents trying to bring guns into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel over the past month.
“The CBSA takes its border protection responsibilities very seriously, and our officers work diligently and vigilantly to prevent the smuggling of firearms across our borders to help make our communities safe,” said Rick Comerford, CBSA regional director general for the southern Ontario region.
The most recent case was on Jan. 23. A Michigan resident heading to Windsor at the bridge was referred for secondary examination. In secondary, border services officers discovered an undeclared firearm. The driver was charged with non-report of a firearm and with making false statements under the Customs Act.
A day earlier, a Michigan resident at the bridge was charged with smuggling and making false statements after officers discovered an undeclared loaded semi-automatic pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition under the driver's seat.
An American woman was charged with non-report of a firearm, making false and deceptive statements and possession of prohibited goods at the bridge on Jan.20. CBSA officers say they discovered an undeclared loaded semi-automatic pistol that had been vacuum sealed in a clothing storage bag.
On Jan. 12, a Michigan resident at the bridge was charged with possession of a firearm and smuggling after officers discovered an undeclared loaded automatic handgun concealed in a duffle bag in the trunk.
Another Michigan resident was trying to enter Windsor at the tunnel on Jan.10. Officers say an undeclared prohibited revolver was found locked in a gun case in the trunk of the vehicle. The person was charged with making untrue statements, possession of prohibited goods and smuggling.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity can call the CBSA Border Watch at 1-888-502-9060. All calls are completely confidential.
