Dawn Truell President Cross Border Services Priority Trade Issues Over half of the merchandise for sale in the Canadian and U.S. markets come from abroad, over $2 trillion worth of trade crosses in/out of our borders across North America. Unfortunately illegal trade, human trafficking and drug smuggling have become a giant problem for our trade and for any of us to cross any of the borders. On Sept 5, 2008, CBSA reported seizing 39 kilograms of cocaine hidden under the bunk of a tractortrailer in Surrey, British Columbia. August 18, 2008, CBSA reported a Scarborough company fined for improperly declaring shipment, upon investigation, they had failed to report large amounts of clothing, purses, accessories and 250 kg of pork, this resulted in $15,000 fine
Canadian Trucking Magazine
as well as criminal offences charged. Bad Brew – 7,000 lbs. of Marijuana found hidden in coffee shipment, the driver, claiming to be hauling a shipment of coffee, the tractor-trailer was referred for an xray examination, upon search 3,943 marijuana-filled packages were discovered. San Juan, Puerto Rico – 157 Dominicans were found aboard a very small overloaded boat on Tuesday afternoon, 11 were turned over to border patrol, rest were returned to the Dominican Republic. In the last 15 days 317 migrants were discovered transiting through Mona Passage. Border Air operations spotted and interdicted an ultra-light aircraft Tuesday carrying 223 lbs of marijuana, approximate street value of $180,000. When one opens a can of cool, refreshing Coca-Cola, one would expect to discover the popular beverage inside. When U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers opened two Coca-Cola cans that arrived aboard a flight from Jamaica recently they found another sort of “Coke” the white powdery kind, 16 ounces tested positive for cocaine. Animal tranquilizers are another form of drugs being smuggled, Ketamine, 100 vials found taped to a man’s leg. Human trafficking and Kidnapping is unfortunately rampant in our North America as well. Keep informed, check out the RCMP’s website, there are currently 4 people
December 2008
wanted for child abduction and many more wanted for drug trafficking and murder. Travel reminder: All travelers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, are now asked to present proof of citizenship and identity when entering the United States at land and sea ports of entry. This requirement can be met with a passport, NEXUS frequent crosser card, enhanced British Columbia driver’s license, birth certificate with a driver’s license. Travelers ages 18 and under may present just a birth certificate. The requirement for Passports is effective June 1, 2009. Protect yourself! Keep informed! Join the programs of compliancy for your personal and companies’ sake. Cross Border Services has the knowledge and expertise to help you gain your C-TPAT, FAST, PIP, Canadian Trucking Magazine
ACE and CSA approvals. We also can assist you in gaining your Bonded Carrier Status. We provide you full informative information on all steps necessary and complete all the work for you, from start to finish, all documentation, presentations, security inspections, road trips, and more. We work very closely with both the governments and your organization to ensure all of the “t’s” are crossed and the “i’s” are dotted. For further information regarding securing our borders and our companies’ please contact us at crossborderservices@cogeco.net or (905) 973 9136.
December 2008