Press Release
Canada Border Services Agency officers have charged a Minnesota resident with smuggling firearms following a vehicle search last week at the Fort Frances port of entry.
On March 17, two U.S. residents arrived to apply for Remote Area Border Crossing permits.
Both had nil declarations but the primary officer referred the vehicle for a secondary examination.
During the examination, officers found one prohibited 9 mm handgun and one restricted .22 calibre handgun and three magazines.
The driver claimed ownership of both handguns.
After officers determined the passenger was unaware of the handguns in the vehicle, the person was released.
The driver, Richard Ostman, 63, of Angora, Mn., was charged with two counts each of non-report of goods (possession of illegally-imported goods) and smuggling.
He was released on a promise to appear and $400 (U.S.) recognizance.
His first court appearance is set for May 4 in Fort Frances.
The firearms were seized with no terms of release.
“The CBSA places a high priority on the detection and interdiction of undeclared firearms and prohibited weapons along our nation’s borders,” said CBSA Northwestern District Director Tuula Schuler.
“Seizures like these serve as a reminder of the important role CBSA officers play in keeping our communities safe,” she added.
Failure to declare goods, including firearms and weapons, and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution.
Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity is encouraged to call the toll-free CBSA Border Watch line at 1-888-502-9060.
