SURREY,
BC, May 3, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping Canadians safe and
ensuring individuals who attempt to smuggle illegal firearms and
narcotics across the border are held accountable.
Following a CBSA investigation, Jerry
Armas, a U.S. Citizen from California, was sentenced to 27 months in
prison for possessing and attempting to smuggle a loaded,
prohibited handgun into Canada.
Armas appeared before the court in Surrey, BC on March 21,
2024, and pleaded guilty to two offences with the following
sentences:
- Section 95(1) of the Criminal Code: 25 months for
possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Section 159(1) of the Customs Act: 2 months for
smuggling a firearm
In addition to the prison sentence, Armas also received a
lifetime firearms prohibition.
In March 2023, Armas attempted to
enter Canada through the Douglas
port of entry with no declaration. Upon a vehicle examination,
border services officers found 18.1 grams of cocaine and a
privately-made, un-serialized 9mm ghost gun, along with 118 rounds
of ammunition. CBSA investigators subsequently charged Armas for
offences under the Customs Act and Criminal Code.
Quotes
"Stopping prohibited firearms from coming into Canada is part of CBSA's commitment to protect
our communities. This conviction and sentence demonstrate the
important work being done at our borders and the consequences
individuals face for smuggling."
- Nina Patel, Regional Director General, CBSA
Pacific Region
Quick Facts
- It is a traveller's responsibility to learn about the rules to
import a firearm or weapon into Canada. Firearms that are not properly
declared, and the vehicles used to carry them, may be seized by the
CBSA.
- Smuggling narcotics, prohibited weapons and other Customs
Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to
prosecution in a court of law. A court conviction can result in
fines, jail time, and impact a foreign national's ability to return
to Canada in the future.
- For the latest narcotics and enforcement statistics, visit
Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
- Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity
is encouraged to call the CBSA Border Watch Toll-free Line at
1-888-502-9060 or submit a tip online.
@CanBorderPAC
SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency