Prosecutions and Seizures

• Atlantic Region
• Quebec Region
• Northern Ontario Region (including Nunavut)
• Greater Toronto Region
• Niagara/Fort Erie Region
• Windsor/St. Clair Region
• Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)
• Pacific Region (including Yukon)

The vast majority of Canadians and foreign travellers respect the laws pertaining to the importation of goods. In fairness to all those law-abiding citizens, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) conducts compliance programs to ensure the uniform application of the laws it administers.

This includes two investigative programs to deal with suspected cases of duty evasion, smuggling, and other offences. Through one of these programs, we follow up on leads provided by concerned citizens.

The CBSA often informs the media of convictions from prosecutions under the Customs Act and when charges are laid in the case of seizures. It does this to maintain confidence in the integrity of the system and to increase compliance with the law through the deterrent effect of publicity.

Until individuals charged in relation to seizures at the border have been found guilty by a court, their names will not appear in the information released to the media by the CBSA. News releases containing personal details of a conviction are usually kept in the Newsroom for a period of 6 months.

How do I make a voluntary disclosure?
Clients should address voluntary disclosure requests to any CBSA office. Addresses and telephone numbers are available on our Contact us page.