OTTAWA: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the port of Coutts had a full weekend enforcing legislation, stopping a handgun and suspected drugs from continuing into the country in separate cases.
On April 10, 2015, border services officers (BSOs) referred a vehicle to secondary. As they were searching the SUV with the help of Detector Dog Trooper, they intercepted suspected marijuana (128 grams total) and a container of suspected THC oil that the traveller had not declared. A 42-year-old California man and the suspected drugs were turned over to Milk River Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
On April 14, CBSA Criminal Investigations charged Doreen Rae Valadez, 51, of Alaska, with making false statements and with smuggling under the Customs Act, as well as with illegally importing a handgun under the Criminal Code. The incident occurred on April 11 when officers referred a vehicle to secondary. As they were searching the pickup truck and trailer, Detector Dog Trooper showed interest in a suitcase found in the back of the truck. Inside, officers uncovered a slide and barrel for a prohibited 9 mm handgun. The gun’s receiver was in a plastic tote. Valadez is scheduled to appear in Lethbridge Provincial Court on May 20, 2015.
The CBSA advises all travellers that they are required to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including any firearms, weapons, or substances in their possession.
BSOs have also seized narcotics or other controlled substances on 21 different occasions since the beginning of 2015.
Failure to declare goods, including firearms, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
