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Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

American caught with 81 weapons at the border

Calgary, Alberta, July 28, 2005 - The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that an American citizen has been charged with smuggling under the Customs Act, and with possession of prohibited weapons under the Criminal Code.

On July 22, 2005, the individual attempted to enter Canada at the Coutts, Alberta border crossing. During a secondary examination of the vehicle, CBSA officers found 59 stunguns and 22 switchblade knives hidden behind the body panels of the vehicle. The weapons were seized with no terms of release.

CBSA officers are Canada's first line of defence in protecting Canada from illegal weapons and other contraband. The CBSA works very closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other law-enforcement agencies to protect Canada's borders and keep our communities safe.

Since April 2004, more than 900 weapons and 80 firearms have been seized at border crossings and international airports in Alberta.

For information about your rights and obligations regarding the importation of guns and other weapons into Canada, visit the CBSA Web site.