CBSA members in the prairie region were kept their toes all throughout last week, as they seized three firearms and associated accessories from seperate travellers.

"On April 23rd, officers at North Portal found a 45 calibre handgun in the cab of an SUV, and in that case a U.S. resident was arrested and issued a $1,000 penalty for failing to declare," shared Luke Reimer in Communications.

Border officers seized 32 overcapacity magazines and the lower receiver of a rifle last week.

"Later that same day, officers found the lower receiver of a rifle and 32 overcapacity magazines, which were each capable of holding 30 rounds, inside a cargo trailer. In that case, a U.S. resident was arrested and issued a $550 penalty."

"Both of those travellers were transiting through Canada to Alaska," he added, noting that such incidents tend to rise with the advance of summer.

Several days later, officers seized a 44 Magnum revolver in a pick up truck. The traveller was also a U.S resident Alaska-bound, and was issued a $1,000 penalty.

"We would actually encourage U.S. residents who are transiting through Canada to Alaska to ship their firearms seperately, before arriving at the Canadian border, and to make sure you retain the shipping receipt to show the border services officer. Under U.S federal law, Americans can use the US Postal Service to ship shotguns and rifles to the holder of a federal firearms license, such as firearms dealers in any state. Handguns are not mailable, but they can be shipped through a common or contract carrier," Reimer said.

A 45 calibre handgun was seized last week by border officers.

"If you are travelling with guns into Canada, make sure that you're declaring them. If you declare them at the first opportunity, you eliminate the risk of penalty or prosecution by the Customs Act. However, if you don't declare them you could be arrested, have the guns seized, face some monetary penalties and even criminal prosecution."