Deavis
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http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NA...1&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815
So the ATF alerted Canada to an increase in sales of weapons in Texas? I assume that information would come from NICS checks being done in Texas and is the ATF actually authorized by law to share that information? Exactly how does the Canadian government monitor our gunshows?
Just though it was interesting.
Gun sale spike prompts border blitz
Canadian Press File Photo
Niagara border crossings, such as the Peace Bridge, pictured, could see an increasing number of security crackdowns targeting gunrunners.
224 vehicles, 25 vessels searched
By Paul Legall
The Hamilton Spectator
Niagara Falls (Jul 12, 2006)
Police and border officials say the recent three-day border enforcement blitz at the Niagara border was sparked by a rash of gun sales in the United States and wasn't related to any specific threat to Canadian security.
"It was based on intelligence, information about events going on in the States, not a security concern," said Niagara Detective Constable Mike Woods, who is also a member of the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU).
In recent weeks, Woods added, there have been increased gun sales in states such as Texas where gunrunners have previously purchased weapons to smuggle into Canada.
He said a security "fence" was thrown up at the border as a precautionary measure. But there were no specific reports of illegal weapons being destined for Canada.
Asked whether the blitz was sparked by a terrorist alert, he replied: "Absolutely not."
Nor was the operation prompted by the recent arrest of 17 persons in connection with a homegrown terrorist ring that police claimed was plotting attacks in the Toronto area.
Woods said multi-agency enforcement initiatives are now staged periodically at border crossings across the province to stop money launderers and other contraband smugglers as well as gunrunners.
The three-day initiative involved members of Niagara regional police (NRP), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and 12 members of the PWEU.
The land and water operation resulted in the seizure of four knives and a can of pepper spray. Several legally owned firearms were also seized from American travellers entering Canada and will be returned to them when they leave the country. No illegal guns were found, however.
Officers inspected 224 vehicles and 25 vessels and 121 persons were refused entry into Canada because of criminal records. A man was arrested attempting to enter Canada and is being held in custody pending a deportation hearing. Border officials say they can't release any information about the individual because of privacy laws.
In their efforts to stem the gun traffic, Woods said Canadian police work closely with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They also monitor gun shows and other events where guns can be legally purchased in the United States.
Last year, it was estimated that about half of the guns used in a rash of gang- related shootings in Toronto came in from the United States. In some cases, they were purchased across the counter from legitimate gun dealers in states with lax gun laws.
Earlier this year, police revealed a former Six Nations resident, Earle Cooke, 55, had provided violent Toronto street gangs with dozens of firearms from gun shops in Houston, Texas.
Now serving a one-year sentence in North Carolina, he was convicted of giving a bogus Houston address when he bought the guns.
On Aug. 13, 2005, two men allegedly involved in a homegrown terrorist plot were arrested at the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie trying to smuggle handguns and ammunition into Canada.
They both pleaded guilty last October and received two-year sentences. They are now facing terrorism charges for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks in Ontario.
Although no specific security threat was linked with the blitz, CBSA spokesperson Jean D'Amelio-Swyer said the joint operation reflects the increased co-operation among enforcement agencies since the World Trade Center attacks.
"We've been in a state of increased vigilance since 9/11," she said yesterday.
"The CBSA is committed to continue our partnership with other agencies such as NRP and PWEU to ensure security of our borders and to help make our country safer," she added.
With 162 kilometres of shoreline along the Niagara river and two of the Great Lakes, the Niagara frontier has always been a popular crossing point for smugglers.
Apart from drugs, alcohol, tobacco and firearms, illegal aliens have also been spirited across the waterways into the United States.
So the ATF alerted Canada to an increase in sales of weapons in Texas? I assume that information would come from NICS checks being done in Texas and is the ATF actually authorized by law to share that information? Exactly how does the Canadian government monitor our gunshows?
Just though it was interesting.