**** CBSA Media Release
CBSA Atlantic Region operational and enforcement highlights from 2020 – Protecting and Supporting Canadians during COVID-19
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Atlantic Region today released operational and enforcement highlights that demonstrate how CBSA employees throughout the region have worked to safeguard our communities while supporting the economy during these unprecedented times.
The 2020 operational and enforcement highlights cover January 1 to October 31, 2020.
Supporting the movement of goods and people during COVID-19
So far in 2020, CBSA Atlantic Region processed 889,010 travellers,135,045 commercial vehicles, 3,910 air shipments, and 125,211 marine containers carrying goods to Canadians. Cross-border supply chains are vital to ensure the continued flow of goods, including food and medical supplies for all Canadians.
Stolen vehicles intercepted in Atlantic Region
CBSA officers in the Atlantic Region have intercepted 85 stolen vehicles destined for overseas this year, with a total value of $3,825,000.00. Vehicle types include pick-up trucks, cars, SUVs and various luxury vehicles. Our officers work with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and local law enforcement to identify, intercept and investigate these cases.
Charges laid in Newfoundland and Labrador illegal weapons investigations
Two men in Newfoundland and Labrador (N.L.) faced charges in May 2020 following the interception of prohibited devices by the CBSA. In the first case, an investigation was initiated by CBSA and the RCMP, following the interception of a firearm suppressor destined for N.L. A search warrant was executed resulting in police discovering two firearms. A 41-year-old man was arrested and is facing multiple charges. A second investigation of a different N.L. man was initiated after another package was seized by CBSA containing a Taser. As a result, a 27-year-old man was arrested by RCMP and has multiple charges pending.
Temporary foreign workers support agricultural and fishing industries in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
During the height of the first wave of the pandemic in Spring 2020, CBSA officers in the Atlantic Region worked diligently to process and admit nearly 1,000 temporary foreign workers (TFW) from Jamaica and Mexico, to support the agricultural and fishing industries in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. These workers are an essential part of Canada’s agri-food industry and help Canadians get their food to market. While mitigating risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, officers safely coordinated the clearance of the TFWs and processed hundreds of work permits.
Man arrested for smuggling in Centreville, New Brunswick
In January 2020, a New Brunswick man was intercepted at the Centreville, New Brunswick port of entry attempting to smuggle 100 pills of suspected amphetamine into Canada. The man was arrested and processed by CBSA officers and then turned over to the RCMP.
CBSA officers in New Brunswick reunite lost dogs with family
In late October, officers at the Andover port of entry (POE) in New Brunswick assisted in the reunification of two lost dogs from the same household that had crossed into Canada from the United States (U.S.). Our officers were happy to work with colleagues at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to assist in reuniting these lost dogs with their owner.
Nova Scotia man charged following completion of smuggling investigation
In September 2020, CBSA investigators in Halifax laid charges against a Nova Scotia man. An investigation began after firearm suppressors were intercepted by CBSA in 2019. As part of this investigation, CBSA investigators executed a search warrant in Porters Lake, Nova Scotia with the assistance of the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team. The search warrant resulted in various weapons and prohibited devices being seized, including a 3D printed gun and various other firearms. This case is currently before the courts.
CBSA officers seize 270 kg of cocaine in Halifax
On July 17, 2020, CBSA became aware of a vessel originating in the Caribbean that had failed to report to the CBSA upon entry to Canada. This prompted an investigation. On the morning of Saturday, July 18, 2020, CBSA Halifax Marine Operations officers intercepted the vessel at a yacht club located in the Halifax area. Upon examination of the vessel, officers discovered approximately 270 kg of cocaine concealed in various areas of the boat. The CBSA has estimated this seizure to be valued at approximately $33.8 million. The two individuals on the vessel were arrested and turned over to the RCMP, along with the seized suspected drugs.
Quotes
“Even in these unprecedented times, CBSA employees continue to perform admirably with professionalism, integrity and respect. In a region as diverse as Atlantic Canada, CBSA continues to secure our borders, support the economy and protect Canadians. I continue to be proud of the work that our employees do every single day – on the front lines and behind-the-scenes – across all of Atlantic Canada.”
– Johanne Charest, Regional Director General – Atlantic Region, Canada Border Services Agency
Quick facts
- CBSA is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 into Canada at all international ports of entry. PHAC is responsible for advising the CBSA of any required enhanced measures to be implemented at the Canadian border to help prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases into Canada.
- For information on current border measures and requirements during COVID-19, visit the CBSA website or call the CBSA’s information line (1-800-461-9999) or visit canada.ca/coronavirus.
- Travellers are encouraged to keep up-to-date on matters related to COVID-19 by checking with the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Web page.
- All travellers (asymptomatic and symptomatic) are required to provide their contact information using the Traveller Contact Information Form (paper or online), the ArriveCAN mobile application, or to a border services officer verbally (land mode only) and follow the 14-day quarantine or isolation requirement. All information collected in the Traveller Contact Information Form is provided to PHAC. The App is available on the Apple App and Google Play stores.
