Canada customs: Carried firearms must be declared
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Most undeclared firearms seized by the CBSA at land border ports of entry in British Columbia and Alberta are personal firearms belonging to travelers arriving from the United States. From Jan. 1 to July 31, 2016, the CBSA Pacific Region saw a 116 percent increase in the number of firearms seized in the Pacific Highway District, compared to the same period last year. The CBSA Prairie Region has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of firearms seized in southern Alberta.
Canadian firearms laws are clear. American travelers who do not declare firearms upon arrival can face seizure, criminal prosecution and deportation from Canada. All firearms must be declared.
“Firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority. The CBSA is Canada’s second largest federal law enforcement agency and our officers are Canada’s first line of defence in protecting Canada from illegal weapons and other contraband,” said Roslyn H. MacVicar, Pacific Region director general.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working with our Canadian partners to encourage American travelers to not attempt to smuggle firearms into Canada. Travelers are urged to know what they can and can’t bring into the United States or Canada and to properly declare items as required by law,” said Michele James, director of the Seattle Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
When travelers arrive at a port of entry, at the primary inspection line booth they should declare any firearms in their possession to the CBSA officer. For security and safety reasons, the border services officer may immediately take possession of a pistol; however, the declared gun will not be seized. “The traveler will have the option of exporting the firearm under CBSA supervision or abandoning the firearm to the crown. These options are only available to travelers who declare their firearms,” according to a press release from CBSA.
Visitors to Canada cannot, under any circumstances, import prohibited firearms, prohibited devices or prohibited weapons.
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