Canadian Border Agents Tell Americans to Leave Their Guns at Home

Canada has a message for Americans: Don’t bring guns across the border.

The Canada Border Services Agency made the plea Monday after border services officers discovered undeclared weapons five times — four incidents involving Michigan residents — since Jan. 10, CBSA spokeswoman Jean D’Amelio Swyer said.

“Don’t bring your guns into Canada,” Swyer said emphatically. “Leave your firearms at home. But if by chance they do have a firearm in the car, it is imperative that they declare it.”

Those found with weapons can face fines, jail time or both. The first time border agents find an undeclared weapon, the vehicle involved is held until payment of a fine of $1,000 per weapon, Swyer added.

But if those crossing the border tell agents they have a legal gun, the agency will either allow them to return to the United States or hold the weapon until they leave Canada, according to Swyer.

In the most recent incident, a Michigan resident was charged with not reporting a firearm and making false statements Wednesday after agents found an undeclared firearm during a second interview at the Ambassador Bridge crossing, according to agency records.

This article appeared in print on page 3 of the January 29th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.