Canadian Customs Officers to Get Arrest Powers
Canadian customs officers at border crossings with the United States will assume greater responsibilities under a new law that could lead some drivers in international commerce to be detained.
While the law has the potential to increase delays at the already backed-up Canadian border, some carriers have said that law-abiding drivers will have nothing to fear.
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The rule, which will take effect this spring, allows customs officers to arrest travelers suspected of having committed crimes or who are wanted for crimes in other jurisdictions.
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Despite a popular misconception, customs officers will not have the authority to deny entry to travelers based on their criminal record. That power is held by immigration officials.
