Foreign national, Reuben Velasquez, has been sentenced to four years in prison for allegedly trying to smuggle guns into Canada via Victoria’s Belleville Ferry Terminal.
Following a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) investigation, 44-year-old Velasquez was given his sentence on February 3rd in the Williams Lake Provincial Court.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred nearly three years ago.
According to CBSA, on September 1st, 2023, Velasquez tried to enter Canada through the Belleville Ferry Terminal, but was examined further by the CBSA after declaring multiple firearms.
Border services officers searched his vehicle and found six undeclared firearms.
“The CBSA protects our communities with firm and decisive enforcement actions at the border,” said Nina Patel, Regional Director General, Pacific Region CBSA.
“A sentence like this one serves as a reminder that violating Canada’s laws will have serious consequences. Anyone who attempts to smuggle illegal firearms will be held accountable.”
According to the CBSA, last year alone, border services officers made 2,640 seizures of firearms, weapons and prohibited devices in BC.
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