The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a significant smuggling attempt at the Thousand Islands Bridge port of entry, seizing eight firearms, including four prohibited weapons, along with ammunition and narcotics. The bust occurred on May 23 when a 59-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman sought entry into Canada in a motorhome towing a pickup truck.
Initial Encounter and Secondary Search
The travellers allegedly told border officers they had made a wrong turn toward Canada and declared no firearms or narcotics. However, a secondary search revealed otherwise. According to the CBSA, the driver subsequently admitted to having a firearm in the motorhome, prompting a full inspection.
Officers discovered eight firearms, four of which were classified as prohibited; 13 magazines, including seven prohibited over-capacity magazines; 1,500 rounds of ammunition; and personal amounts of cocaine, psilocybin, and cannabis.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Daniel Sargent, of Virginia, and Danette Garrelts, of California, face a total of multiple charges, including seven counts of failing to report goods, making false statements, twelve counts of smuggling, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of importing a controlled substance, importing cannabis, nine counts of careless transportation of a firearm, seven counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, three counts of unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm, and eight counts of unauthorized importation of a firearm and unauthorized importation of a prohibited device.
“The Canada Border Services Agency protects our borders and stops illegal firearms from entering the country,” said Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree. “This seizure of undeclared, prohibited firearms and drugs demonstrates the skill and capacity of border services officers to detect and intercept dangerous goods.” He added, “I want to thank the officers at the Lansdowne port of entry for their work safeguarding the security of all Canadians.”
CBSA Officials Comment
Jag Johnston, Regional Director General for the CBSA Northern Ontario Region, emphasized the role of border officers. “CBSA’s border services officers are Canada’s first line of defence against prohibited firearms,” Johnston said. “Their success in detecting contraband and pursuing prosecutions send a clear message: those who break Canada’s laws will be held accountable.”
Both individuals were arrested and remanded into custody. They are scheduled to appear in court on July 31. The charges have not been tested or proven in court.
