"U.S. military man made ‘incredibly stupid decision’ to bring guns across border"

2015-08-28T10:35:17-04:00

From: Winnipeg Sun

A U.S. military officer has been fined $15,000 after he was caught trying to smuggle several firearms and ammunition across the Canadian border.

Steven Fetrow-Keihl, a military police major, was on his way to a new posting in Alaska when was arrested at the Emerson border crossing Oct. 4, 2014.

"It's not unusual, unfortunately, for American citizens to attempt to cross our border with their weapons," Crown attorney Erin Magas told court Monday. "If they were Canadian citizens, they would likely be looking at time in the penitentiary ... Many of them don't understand until they actually get picked up at the border how serious we take firearms in this country."

Fetrow-Kiehl and his young daughter were travelling in one vehicle, his wife behind him in another, when border officers asked him if he had any weapons in the vehicle.

He told officers he did not have any weapons in his car, "but did say he owned firearms which he left back on Florida," Magas said.

Fetrow-Kiehl was referred for a vehicle inspection, at which point he admitted he was carrying several firearms in a cargo trailer. Border officers found five firearms, including two loaded prohibited handguns.

Fetrow-Kiehl was arrested for smuggling and then released after paying a $5,000 penalty.

Because he was travelling with his daughter, he was afforded "a fair amount of leniency," Magas said.

Fetrow-Kiehl told border officers he followed "bad advice" from a friend who recommended he take his guns to Alaska and not declare them.

The Crown and defence jointly recommended Judge Dale Harvey fine Fetrow-Kiehl $15,000.

Fetrow-Kiehl made "an incredibly stupid decision for somebody in the military, knowing full well the laws of our country," Harvey said.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2015/08/27/us-military-man-made-incredibly-stupid-decision-to-bring-guns-across-border

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 28 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-08-28T10:36:50-04:00

What the hell was he thinking????

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-08-28T10:40:06-04:00

He rolled the dice... And lost.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-08-28T10:44:07-04:00

At least he didn't go to Mexico, they just put you in jail.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:55 AM

2015-08-28T10:55:49-04:00

All he had to do was fill out some forms and pay a modest fee to declare he had guns.. instead he chose to violate their laws, therefore, he did the crime, so the punishment is just.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-08-28T11:00:13-04:00

Some FYI research I did for those of you who are planning on PCSing to Alaska and decide to drive through Canada...

Firearms in Canada

When crossing the border into Canada, hunters must declare all firearms in their possession. Declared rifles and shotguns may be carried through Canada while in transit to Alaska. Certain types of handguns are not permitted in Canada under any circumstances. Other handguns may be carried into Canada under certain circumstances.

Declaring firearms involves filling out some paperwork, specifically Form 5589, the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. There is a $25 fee, payable in Canadian funds or with a credit card. The form is available at the border, or can be downloaded in advance from the Canadian Firearms Centre website (more details on that are offered at the end of the article). The form must be presented in triplicate and signed in front of a CBSA officer at the border (it is not possible to make photocopies at the border, so it will save time and effort to do some of the work in advance. Just be sure to wait until the border to sign in front of a customs officer).

According to the Canadian Firearms Centre, completing the paperwork also allows you to bring in ammunition for that firearm for personal use. Regarding ammunition, there have been many cases worldwide where American travelers arrive at a foreign destination with a single bullet somewhere in their luggage that they didn't realize was there, and they get into trouble. Don't use the same luggage for hunting as you do for other international travel.

Canadian law requires that officials confiscate any firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who deny having the items in their possession. Confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons are not returned. Possession of an undeclared firearm may result in arrest and imprisonment. Travelers are strongly advised to inspect all belongings thoroughly prior to travel to Canada to avoid the accidental import of firearms or ammunition.

Canada has three classes of firearms: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited.

Non-restricted firearms include most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns. These may be brought temporarily into Canada for sporting or hunting use during hunting season, use in competitions, in-transit movement through Canada, or personal protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada. Anyone wishing to bring hunting rifles into Canada must be at least 18 years old; properly store the firearm for transport; and follow the declaration requirements.

Restricted firearms are primarily handguns. While they are not firearms, pepper spray, mace, and some knives also are included in this category. A restricted firearm may be brought into Canada, but an Authorization to Transport permit must be obtained in advance from a Provincial or Territorial Chief Firearms Officer. The permit allows a handgun to be in transit, for example to Alaska, but a permit would not be issued to someone simply vacationing in Canada.

Prohibited firearms include fully automatic, converted automatics and certain military style weapons, including weapons designed for civilian use. A full list of prohibited weapons is available on the Canadian Firearms Centre website. Prohibited firearms are not allowed into Canada. Handguns with a barrel length of less than 105 mm, about 4 1/8 inches, are completely prohibited, and .25 and .32 caliber handguns are prohibited.

The Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form RCMP 5589).

The best source for more information on carrying firearms into or through Canada is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website, or a call to the Canada Firearms Center at [login to see] ; request Extension #9026 if you will be entering Canada at the Alberta border and Extension #9530 if entering from British Columbia.

U.S. citizens may find it helpful to register firearms with U.S. Customs before traveling through Canada in order to prove ownership: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/737/~/u.s.-residents-or-citizens-moving-or-transporting-personal-belongings-through .

http://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/publications/forms?title=4457 .

U.S. residents or citizens moving or transporting personal belongings through Canada to another...

If you are an U.S. citizen or resident moving or transporting your personal equipment, household and/or personal effects in-transit through Canada from one U.S. State to another, you will encounter Customs in the U.S. and Canada. Customs in both countries will enforce their regulations and may want to inspect your goods to determine admissibility. (In most cases, the below described process is very similar for Canadians transiting the U.S....

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-08-28T11:37:41-04:00

True story: My dad forgot that he had a PR-24 underneath his seat while taking a day trip to Canada. He was fined and the PR-24 was confiscated. PR-24 is considered a "firearm" in Canada.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 28 at 2015 12:01 PM

2015-08-28T12:01:29-04:00

Guess he is not too bright.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 28 at 2015 12:27 PM

2015-08-28T12:27:08-04:00

A stupid decision indeed for a military police officer, not to mention, he straight up lied...

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Aug 28 at 2015 3:43 PM

2015-08-28T15:43:40-04:00

I recently went to the Charlotte airport with a loaded clip in a pocket inside my rucksack. Stupid, I know. I'd had drill just the day before, but I thought I'd cleared the damn bag. The TSA took my clip and rounds, made me sign some paperwork and let me fly on. The Charlotte TSA folk were polite and professional. It could have been a lot worse.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 31 at 2015 2:39 AM

2015-08-31T02:39:00-04:00

Just pay the money to ship your weapons!!!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 31 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-08-31T23:25:04-04:00

You CAN'T plead ignorance on this one. He intentionally committed a crime. He should have gone to jail. If someone tried smuggling guns into our country we would throw them in jail. If we smuggle guns into other countries we can be called the American government.