The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) saw a 54 per cent increase in the number of firearm seizures in the Pacific region from April 1 to June 30 this year, compared to the same period in 2013.
There were 37 such seizures in 2014, compared to 24 the previous year, according to the CBSA.
Among the more notable seizures was one at the Abbotsford-Huntingdon border crossing on May 30, when a U.S. resident was seeking entry into Canada.
The primary officer asked if there were any firearms or weapons in the vehicle and the driver declared three long guns. During a routine secondary examination, officers located a pistol from the bottom of a blue bin in the middle of the vehicle.
In an incident at the Pacific Highway border crossing on June 12, a driver seeking entry into Canada declared he had 16 long guns.
Upon further inspection, officers discovered five non-declared restricted handguns.
Of the 37 seizures, CBSA has laid 15 charges against 17 individuals, with more possible charges to come.
The CBSA welcomes all tips on suspicious cross-border activity; call the Border Watch toll-free Line at 1-888-502-9060 with any information.
