BUFFALO, N.Y. - Since the beginning of May, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Buffalo Field Office have seen an increase in firearm seizures at western and upstate New York ports of entry. The Buffalo Field Office directs operations at sixteen northern land border ports, from the Peace Bridge to Rouses Point, N.Y.
CBP officers have seized eighteen firearms for violations of state and local laws, and exportation contrary to law. Firearms were seized from Americans returning from Canada, and citizens of other countries crossing the border into and out of the U.S.
“We work very closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to enforce gun laws,” said Rose Hilmey, Acting Director of Field Operations for the Buffalo Field Office. “Preventing the illegal importation and exportation of firearms is an important role in protecting the public and the country.”
The seized firearms included Smith and Wesson revolvers, a Springfield Armory automatic pistol, a Ruger revolver, and handguns manufactured by Taurus, Glock and other makers.
Several of the individuals encountered were arrested. All seized firearms were turned over to state and local law enforcement agencies for further processing.