Frederick B. Smith Chief Counsel | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Lewiston Bridge border crossing in New York have arrested a 62-year-old U.S. citizen for illegal firearm possession. The incident occurred when the driver, en route to Michigan with a commercial shipment, mistakenly followed his GPS to the Canadian border without the necessary paperwork.
Denied entry into Canada, the driver returned to the United States where he declared a firearm during an initial examination. This led to a secondary examination by CBP officers who discovered a Hi-Point C9 semi-automatic 9mm pistol and forty rounds of ammunition. It was found that the driver, residing in Louisiana, was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Area Port Director Gaetano Cordone stated, "Our CBP Officers maintain their vigilance while screening travelers entering the United States. Together with our State and Local partners, we were successful in arresting this felon and removing a firearm off our streets."
The driver was taken into custody by CBP officers and later handed over to New York State Police on charges of criminal possession of a weapon.
CBP is recognized as America's frontline defense and is known as the world's first unified border management agency. With over 65,000 personnel, it ensures safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through various means.