British Citizen Arrested Crossing Niagara River Aboard Smugglers Boat

The incident commenced when several local fishermen saw a man being dropped off onto shore by a vessel that had crossed into Canadian waters from the United States (US).  The fisherman notified nearby Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members about the suspicious occurrence and this information was shared with all IBET partners on both sides of the Canadian and US border.

During patrols in the area, IBET officers located the male suspect at a nearby park.  The suspect attempted to flee from the police but was captured after a foot pursuit through the escarpment.  After being taken into custody, the male was charged with Obstruction under the Criminal Code, Returning to Canada after being the subject of a Removal Order under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Failing to Comply with an Obligation under the IRPA.  He has been held in custody pending his next court appearance on May 2, 2012.

“Persons being smuggled, and individuals who aid those that attempt to traverse waterways in clandestine manners, do so at considerable risk to their safety,” said IBET Sergeant Brigitte St. Germaine.  She added, “IBET appreciates the involvement and cooperation we received from our community residents, on both sides of the border.”

At the time of the arrest, IBET, the RCMP Marine Security Enforcement Team, an RCMP Helicopter and US partners, were conducting a joint air, marine, and land enforcement initiative along the Upper and Lower Niagara River.