American resident Calvin Jarvis  pled guilty, in Rossland Provincial Court, this month to possession of illegally imported  goods, an offence under section 155 of the Customs  Act, and possession of firearms, contrary to section 91(1) of the Criminal Code. Jarvis was sentenced and  received a $5,000 fine.

The case stems from October 18, 2013, when Canada Border  Services Agency officers at the Paterson port of entry (see Google Earth view below) were conducting  outbound currency checks. While examining Jarvis’s vehicle, officers located  and seized over $10,000 undeclared cash.

Officers also found two undeclared firearms: a loaded Smith & Wesson revolver and an unloaded Smith  & Wesson semi-automatic pistol containing a high-capacity magazine. The currency was returned upon payment of a $250 penalty, but  the firearms were seized with no terms of release.

Quick Facts

• CBSA officers in the Okanagan and Kootenays region have seized a total of 35       undeclared firearms (prohibited, restricted and non-restricted) since April 2013
• Travellers are required to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including       any firearms and weapons in their possession
• Travellers  must declare all currency and other monetary instruments over $10,000 at entry and/or exit from Canada
• Failure to declare goods, including firearms, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.