U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Missouri man and seized two firearms at the Buffalo port of entry on March 24, according to a March 30 announcement. The incident took place at the Peace Bridge border crossing when the man, a 55-year-old U.S. citizen, was returned to the United States by Canadian authorities after inadvertently following GPS directions into Canada.
The case is significant because it highlights efforts by border officials to prevent convicted felons from possessing weapons. Upon his return to the U.S., the driver declared two firearms—later identified as a Charter Arms .38 Special and an FIE .22-caliber pistol—to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), which detained both weapons before handing them over to CBP officers.
Further checks revealed that the individual was a convicted felon and sex offender residing in Missouri, making his possession of firearms unlawful under federal law. “The safety and security of our ports and communities is a top priority,” said Acting Port Director Sharon Swiatek. “Our CBP officers continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and preventing prior felons from possessing dangerous weapons.”
Following his arrest, CBP officers transferred both the driver and firearms to the Buffalo Police Department where he faces felony charges for criminal possession of a weapon.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization with more than 67,000 personnel working across various environments including land borders, airspace, and maritime regions.
