HEAT ON FOR GUNS

CANADA CUSTOMS officers have renewed calls for armed border patrol agents
to stop smugglers, including those who trade Canadian pot for U.S. weapons.
Customs union officials said agents are required for remote areas of the
"world's longest undefended border," now used by gangs who smuggle tonnes
of marijuana into the U.S. and return with guns and money.

"Such an agency is sorely needed," said Ron Moran, president of the Customs
Excise Union. "There is nobody doing this work now."

The proposal surfaced yesterday in a letter by the union to Alain
Jolicoeur, head of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Their plan
will be outlined in a justice committee meeting in Ottawa next Thursday.

Communities Supportive

"We expect to have the support of a number of border communities," Moran
said yesterday, adding the officers would have the power to arrest culprits
and seize contraband.

Customs agents said about 300 vehicles monthly evade border crossings in
Quebec alone.

Alex Swann, a spokesman for Public Safety Minister Anne McLennan, said the
CBSA was created to secure the border and facilitate trade.

Swann said millions of dollars have also been invested in 15 Canadian-U.S.
Integrated Border Enforcement Teams.

"These integrated teams share intelligence," he said. "They have an
intelligence-led approach to dismantle smuggling."

Toronto Police have repeatedly complained and have launched a major probe
in the smuggling of Canadian marijuana into the U.S. in exchange for weapons.