Smuggling gun across border leads to $3,000 fine
American woman hid semi-automatic pistol, ammunition in vehicle
Cultural differences between Americans’ and Canadians’ attitudes towards firearms were explored Monday in a Penticton courtroom, as an Arizona woman was fined $3,000 for smuggling a handgun across the border at Osoyoos.
Janice Marie Purdy, 64, pleaded guilty in absentia to one count of making a false statement under the Customs Act and one count of possessing a firearm without a licence, contrary to the Criminal Code.
Court heard Purdy and her husband arrived at the crossing on Sept. 27, 2016, and told a Canada Border Services Agency officer they had no firearms.
They were flagged for secondary inspection, however, and CBSA officers found a .22-calibre semi-automatic pistol in the car’s rear console, along with a full box of 50 bullets elsewhere in the vehicle.
Kelowna lawyer Wade Jenson, who represented Purdy, told the court she has a concealed-carry permit from the State of Arizona that she uses to carry the gun for protection there.
Jenson said she forgot the gun was in her purse when she left for vacation with her husband two weeks before crossing the border, and stashed it when she realized her error.
Purdy chose not to declare the gun, Jenson continued, because she didn’t expect the vehicle to get searched at the border.
“It was a stupid decision and, in short, there’s no excuse for it,” said Jenson.
Judge Greg Koturbash was perplexed by Purdy’s need to carry a full box of ammunition for self-defence.
“I’m not really familiar with the American culture and guns. Fifty rounds? Is that sort of commonplace for somebody who’s just packing for protection?” he asked Jenson.
Jenson replied he hadn’t discussed that specifically with Purdy, but said his client didn’t seem to understand the fuss over the gun.
“In my discussions with her, while she feels very badly over this situation, I have to admit I got the sense that there’s not a recognition in the American culture — particularly in Arizona — how seriously Canada takes firearms,” said Jenson.
“I think it’s probably reflected in that general cultural attitude that they have.”
Jenson said he had money in trust to pay his client’s fines before he left the courthouse, and that Purdy hopes to travel to Canada again in the future.