Prosecutions and Seizures

Atlantic Region

Crew member convicted of smuggling child pornography

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 13, 2010 - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that Mr. Jay Ar Ramos Trilles, has been convicted under the Customs Act of smuggling prohibited goods, and under the Criminal Code for possession of child pornography. Mr. Trilles pleaded guilty today in Halifax Provincial Court to both charges.

The 24-year-old non-resident was sentenced to four months in jail after which time he will be removed from the country.

"I commend the outstanding work of the CBSA officers whose efforts led to this conviction,"said Vic Toews, Canada's Minister of Public Safety. "Our government is committed to getting this repulsive material off our streets, and preventing the exploitation of children in Canada and around the world."

On May 11, 2010, CBSA officers arrested Mr. Trilles, a cruise ship crew member, after finding explicit electronic images on a laptop computer depicting child pornography. At that time the Halifax Regional Police / Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Integrated Child Exploitation unit was called to assist with the investigation.

As a result of his conviction, Mr. Trilles will also be registered with the National Sex Offender Registry in Canada and ordered to provide a sample of his DNA.

The Customs Act prohibits the importation of certain goods, including child pornography as defined by the Criminal Code. The CBSA works diligently with its law enforcement partners to enforce Canada's laws against child pornography and to stop prohibited goods from entering Canada.

Non-Canadians who have criminal convictions are inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Removing criminals from Canada is one of the CBSA's priorities in carrying out its mandate to protect the Canadian public. For information about prohibited importations, visit the CBSA Web site.

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For media information:

Laurie Gillmore
CBSA Communications
Work: 902-426-0900