"Declare your firearms," is the message that Luke Reimer, communications officer for the Canada Border Services Agency, has for all cross border travellers. He shared that as of March 27, there have been a total of 13 undeclared firearms seized at the Saskatchewan border in five seperate instances this year.  

"Summer is often when we see a lot of this, simply because we have a lot of visitors coming up through Canada on their way to Alaska."

The first incident in Saskatchewan occured at North Portal on February 4. Officers found three prohibited handguns, two non-restricted rifles, and two prohibited weapons which included a switchblade and a handheld crossbow. Five overcapacity magazines and one military simulation grenade were also confiscated. A 34 year old Florida resident has pleaded guilty to smuggling in Regina Provincial Court, and was fined $3000.

Some of the prohibited weapon seized included a grenade, shown here.

 On March 1, officers at the Estevan Highway crossing seized a prohibited .40 caliber pistol from a traveler bound for Alaska. That  investigation is ongoing. The next day at North Portal, another traveller heading the same way was found with an undeclared restricted .45  caliber handgun and 19 overcapacity magazines. That probe is still in progress as well.

 Twelve days later, North Portal officers stopped a pick up truck and a moving van. Using a baggage x-ray unit, a search of the truck revealed  a semi-automatic assault rifle and a high velocity air gun. In the van, another semi automatic assault rifle along with two lower receivers were  discovered. As well, 18 overcapacity magazines, with 110 rounds prohibited ammo were seized at that time.

 A restricted .22 caliber revolver was found in a bag on the floor in the front of a vehicle searched at the same location on March 23. A  Tennessee man was issued $1000 penalty and returned to the United States.

 Reimer strongly suggests that American travellers, whether they are visiting Canada or on their way to Alaska, simply leave their firearms at  home. However, if they do choose to travel with them, he says that they must declare all weapons and ammunition immediately.

 "If you declare your guns to a CBSA officer at your first opportunity, you have the option of exporting them or abandoning them without  penalty, even if those firearms are prohibited in Canada. However, if you don't declare them and we find them, then they will be seized and  you could face a monetary fine or even criminal charges."

 He added that the officers are committed to keeping Canadians protected, and residents of the Southeast can be confident in the Border  Service's process in intercepting undeclared firearms.