Blowguns among weapons seized at border 

By Tom Godfrey

A pistol crossbow seized at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward last month and announced by CBSA Tuesday. (Canada Border Services Agency photo)

TORONTO - Two rare blowguns were among 276 weapons — including 133 firearms — seized by border agents at southern Ontario crossings in the last year, officials say.
The blowguns, which are used with poison tip darts by tribesmen to hunt game, are among 17 semi-automatic pistols, 41 handguns, 20 revolvers and nine shotguns seized at six major Ontario land crossings, according to the Canada Border Services Agency.
“CBSA officers are our first line of defence in protecting Canada from illegal weapons and other contraband,” agency spokesman Diana Scott said in an e-mail.
“Stopping such activities at our borders plays a big part in tackling crime and making our communities safer.”
The agency, in a list of weapon seizures made available to the Toronto Sun, said 621 firearms and 3,345 prohibited weapons were confiscated at crossings across the country last year.
Many of the firearms seized in Ontario are from U.S. truck drivers who try to bring them into Canada to “protect their load.” If caught with a gun, truckers face charges, can lose their rig and are banned from Canada.
The agency said visitors can temporarily import non-restricted firearms for hunting or target shooting if they complete certain forms.
Among the weapons seized in this province are 16 replica firearms, four nunchaku, three morning stars, two knife combs, three spikes wristbands and 17 stun guns, the CBSA said.
Included in the weapons seized at all crossings are 83 switchblades, 69 tear gas or pepper spray, 22 brass knuckles, 15 butterfly knives, 10 push daggers and nine Tasers.
Members of the Canadian Police Association are pleased with the seizures because it means less guns are reaching our streets.
“Any time a weapon is seized at the border it’s a good thing,” association president Tom Stamatakis said. ”It probably means that it won’t be used as a weapon somewhere in Canada.”
Ron Moran, of the Customs and Immigration Union, said front-line officers are trained to intercept weapons and contraband heading into Canada.
Blowguns are few and far between, front-line officers say, with the weapon being mostly used for hunting or target showing.
The weapons are used by many cultures in Southeast Asia, the Amazon and parts of South America. The darts are usually dipped in curare or other poisons to paralyze the target, including game chicken, rabbits, squirrel or monkeys.
Police said blowguns are used by inserting a dart inside a pipe and using breath to give the projectile momentum.