Crime of the Week: Illegal smuggling at the border, Saint-Léonard, N.B.

2010/1/22

Law enforcement agencies in New Brunswick and the state of Maine are responsible for the security of our borders. Anyone crossing without reporting to ports of entry is committing a criminal offence.

The Integrated Border Enforcement Team, known as IBET, is a partnership between the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard. Members of IBET and their parent agencies are constantly patrolling our borders in order to prevent smugglers from crossing illegally.

Smuggling is an “enterprise crime,” and any vehicle or earnings gained from this type of illegal activity can be seized. Crossing into the United States and Canada without reporting is a serious offence. Penalties include fines of up to $1,000,000 and/or life in prison.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for smuggling goods or people across our borders. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477). Remember we want your information, not your name. Call now.

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Sgt. Noel Cyr
N.B. Crime Stoppers
(506) 452-4105