RCMP arrest four connected to illegal border crossing in B.C.

With the help of U.S. border officials, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have taken four individuals into custody after three illegally crossed into Canada from the U.S in early October.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

With the help of U.S. border officials, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have taken four individuals into custody after three illegally crossed into Canada from the U.S in early October. A driver who waited to pick them up was also arrested.

The RCMP announced Monday that, in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, four individuals were arrested in Abbotsford, B.C., after unlawfully crossing into Canada from Lynden, Washington.

The report said that on October 8, three individuals fled on foot while being pursued by U.S. Border Patrol in the area of Northwoods Road in Lynden and 0 Avenue in Abbotsford.

“The three individuals, as well as the driver, were arrested and turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency for further investigation and processing under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,” the report said. “Investigations are ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.”

One photo released by the RCMP shows a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle parked on Northwoods Road while the three illegally cross into Canada mid pursuit.

“Thanks to the swift and coordinated action by the RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region, Integrated Border Enforcement Team, the suspects were successfully intercepted shortly after entry when they were picked up by a vehicle waiting nearby,” Inspector Jim Leonerd, the officer in charge of IBET Land Patrol, said in the news release. “We remain committed to protecting the integrity of our shared border and ensuring that individuals who attempt to circumvent legal processes are held accountable.”

Bryce Bengco, the acting director for the Pacific Highway District of the CBSA, affirmed that Canadian border officers are committed to enhancing border security and holding illegal crossers accountable.

“The safety of our communities is a top priority, and we will continue to work with the RCMP to maintain the integrity of our border,” Bengco said.

Chief Rosario Vasqueze with the U.S. Border Patrol said the arrest “underscores the strong partnership” between U.S. and Canadian border security.

“Through close collaboration and coordinated efforts, we are able to uphold the security and integrity of our shared border while ensuring that those who attempt to evade legal processes are brought to justice,” Vasqueze said.

This comes after CBSA announced it made “one of its largest seizures of narcotics” destined for export worth over $69 million at Vancouver International Airport. The bust included “300 compressed powder bricks containing 319 kg of cocaine, and 110 vacuum sealed packages containing 241 kg of methamphetamine” destined for Australia.