The Canada Border Services Agency recently released its Prarie Region Operational and Enforcement Highlights for 2021, which detailed some of what happened at the Southern border over the year.

That included a few incidents at the North Portal and Northgate crossings, though there seemed to be mostly normal traffic.

Scott Kienlan, a Corporate Chief with the CBSA, details some of what happened at the border this year.

"On April 8th, officers at the North Portal border crossing were processing a Canadian resident who was returning from the US," said Kienlan, "The traveler wasn't truthful about the horse's origin when they showed a false receipt with a much lower value than they paid. These actions resulted in the traveler paying a $17,350 penalty when they would have only paid $800 in GST if that traveler had a truthful declaration from the start."

Another incident lead to the fining of a traveler to the US, where the border service officers seized half a dozen weapons.

"On August 4th, border services officers again here at North Portal were conducting a routine exam of a US traveler who was in transit to Alaska when they found 4 handguns, two prohibited assault-style rifles, three non-restricted long guns, and 40 prohibited magazines in the truck," said Kienlan, "Officers arrested the traveler, returning only the non-restricted firearms, and issued a seven thousand dollar penalty before the traveler was returned to the US."

Officers at the border searched a semi-truck and found over 200 knives and brass knuckles that were illegal in Canada in October, and all were seized.

Two different travelers in November also failed to disclose a pair of handguns, which meant both ended up with those weapons confiscated and a $2,000 penalty.

Kienlan says that besides the few incidents, 2021 was a fairly good year for the border, even if it was still impacted by the pandemic.

"Essential travelers, commercial drivers, cargo, and trade is still moving fairly well. There has been some lessening of some restrictions for travelers entering into Canada." 

"The CBSA plays a key role in fighting organized crime and keeping our communities safe, by stopping dangerous weapons and illegal goods at the border. We are the first line of defense, as travelers enter Canada, screening goods coming into Canada, and examining more closely those who may pose a threat," said Kienlan, "Our job is to facilitate travel and trade while protecting the safety and security of Canadians."