A man receives four years in prison after officers discover six undeclared firearms at Victoria’s Belleville Ferry Terminal while he attempts to enter Canada.
Guns Discovered During Border Inspection
A routine border check in Victoria quickly turned into a serious criminal case. Now, a man will spend four years in prison after officers discovered several undeclared firearms in his vehicle.
The incident happened at the Belleville Ferry Terminal on Sept. 1, 2023. On that day, 44-year-old Reuben Velasquez arrived at the Canadian border and attempted to enter the country.
At first, Velasquez declared several firearms to border officials. However, officers decided to take a closer look. As a result, they searched his vehicle.
During that inspection, officers uncovered six additional firearms that he had not declared.
Border Officers Uncover Hidden Weapons
Because border officials must verify all declared weapons, inspections often go beyond basic questions. In this case, that process revealed far more than expected.
Officers quickly located the undeclared firearms inside the vehicle. Consequently, authorities moved forward with criminal charges.
Investigators later confirmed two main charges:
Possession of a loaded, prohibited, or restricted firearm without authorization or licence
Unauthorized possession of firearms
Therefore, the case moved through the courts.
Court Hands Down Four-Year Prison Term
After reviewing the evidence, the court sentenced Velasquez to four years in prison.
The ruling highlights Canada’s strict firearm laws, especially at border crossings. Officials stress that travellers must declare every weapon they bring into the country. If they fail to do so, they face serious penalties.
Possible Removal From Canada
Velasquez is not a Canadian citizen. Because of that status, another consequence may follow after his prison term ends.
Border officials say foreign nationals who commit crimes in Canada can face removal from the country once they complete their sentences.
As a result, Velasquez could be deported after serving his four-year prison term.
Border Security Remains a Priority
Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasize strong border enforcement. Officers regularly inspect travellers, vehicles, and goods entering Canada.
Those checks help prevent illegal weapons from crossing the border. In this case, the inspection stopped six undeclared firearms before they entered the country.
Officials say the message is clear: declare all weapons and follow Canadian law, or face serious consequences.
