News Release

Carberry, Manitoba man pleads guilty to unlawfully importing and selling fertilizer

Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 19, 2012 – The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced that Ronald Becker pleaded guilty to unlawfully importing or selling fertilizers that require registration in Canada under the Fertilizers Act. He was fined $7,500.

In February 2008, CBSA Criminal Investigations received a tip from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that Ronald G. Becker Sales Ltd was importing and selling fertilizer that had not been approved by the CFIA. A subsequent search warrant revealed that Becker had imported approximately 130,703 kg of fertilizer that required registration.

The Fertilizers Act and Fertilizers Regulations were put into effect to safeguard Canada's food supply, protect the health of animals and plants and enhance the well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy. As per the Fertilizers Act, the onus is upon the importer to ensure that fertilizers and supplements are registered with the CFIA before their importation or sale in Canada.

The CBSA takes seriously its responsibilities for enforcing the requirements of other government departments and agencies at all air, land and sea points of entry, and works closely with its partners to manage and respond effectively to emerging risks.

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For media information

Lisa White
CBSA Communications
403-292-4011

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