Walrus skull, turkey talon, bobcat skins and 8 firearms among items 2 Americans tried to bring into Canada: CBSA
A pair of Americans tried to bring a lengthy and somewhat strange list of undeclared items into Canada, border officials say.
In a news release last week, the Canada Border Services Agency outlined a list of items including firearms and animal products, which it says were seized by officers somewhere in its "West Coast and Yukon District."
CBSA would not tell CTV News specifically where in that district the items were seized, including in which province or territory, and while the news release was not issued until July 15, the seizure allegedly took place nearly two months earlier.
It appears the border crossing was on land, based on the seizure of the travellers' vehicle.
According to CBSA, the U.S. residents were "seeking entry to transit through Canada," suggesting they may have been heading to or from Alaska, but officials have not confirmed that detail.
For undisclosed reasons, the men were referred for secondary examination, CBSA said. The agency said it was during this search that eight undeclared firearms were uncovered, one of which was prohibited.
Border officials say they also found 15 prohibited magazines.
Among the more unusual items, CBSA said they found several animal products, many of which are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which falls under federal wildlife trade law.
CBSA said its officers found two ivory tusks, as well as two ivory ornaments, among the Americans' things. It said 13 ivory pucks were also found.
The men had with them three bobcat skins, two sheep horns, one bear paw, one turkey talon and one bear skull, CBSA said.
Additionally, it is alleged they had seven pieces of whale baleen, two seal-skin hats and one walrus skull.
According to the agency, the animal products were seized by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the traveller who claimed ownership of the goods was given two penalties with a $1,200 fine.
That person, who has been identified only as male, was also issued an $8,500 penalty by CBSA for the release of his vehicle.
He's also been charged with four counts under the Canadian Criminal Code and Customs Act: unauthorized possession of a firearm; unauthorized possession of prohibited devices; making false statements; and smuggling.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
BREAKING City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.