CLARKWATCH: Follow news and updates regarding sanctions on Mayor Clark.

CBSA seizes four guns at Chief Mountain Crossing

Jul 6, 2017 | 10:10 AM

CHIEF MOUNTAIN, MONTANA — The Canadian Border Services Agency is reminding American travellers to be aware of firearm laws in Canada, after seizing handguns from a traveller crossing the border at Waterton Lakes National Park over the weekend.

On Sunday, CBSA officers seized four undeclared handguns from a Minnesota man at the Chief Mountain Border Crossing, which connects Montana to the park. The driver was referred to a routine examination by officers, who found all of the firearms were found inside luggage stored inside a pickup truck box.

Officers seized a loaded .40-calibre pistol, a .45-calibre revolver, a .50-calibre revolver and a.45 calibre pistol.

The traveller was arrested and his vehicle was seized, since it was used to unlawfully import goods. The traveller had to pay a $4,000 fine to get it back. The handguns will be destroyed according to standard CBSA procedure.

As of July 3, officers in southern Alberta have seized 26 undeclared firearms in 14 separate incidents. The majority of firearms seized at land ports of entry by the CBSA are from U.S. travellers entering Canada.

The CBSA says they strongly recommend travellers not carry their firearms while travelling to Canada or travelling through Canada to Alaska. However, if they are travelling with firearms, they must be declared at the first Canadian port of entry. The firearms need to be appropriately stored, and owners must carry all of the necessary permits.

Travellers who do not declare firearms upon arrival can face arrest, seizure, monetary penalties and criminal possession. Failing to declare firearms can also make visitors inadmissible to enter Canada.