WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 12, 2026 /CNW/ -- A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) criminal investigation has led to prison sentences for two individuals involved in an illegal crossing attempt into Canada at the Sprague port of entry in Manitoba.

On November 4, 2026, Annan Nigel Ferguson, a 50-year old U.S. citizen, was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty in Winnipeg Provincial Court of aiding or abetting failure to report, contrary to section 131 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). With pre-sentencing time in custody, he has approximately three months remaining to serve.

On May 7, 2026, Ferguson arrived at the Sprague port of entry driving a minivan with a U.S. license plate. After detecting inconsistencies with Ferguson's declaration statement, CBSA border services officers searched the vehicle and identified a 46-year old foreign national, Temitope Omofuyi Davies, hiding in the trunk of the minivan. Both Ferguson and Davies were arrested by the CBSA.

During an interview with CBSA criminal investigators, Davies admitted he paid Ferguson $1000 USD to facilitate the illegal entry, and the money was found in Ferguson's wallet as evidence of payment. Davies had previously been caught in March 2026 attempting to illegally cross into Canada between ports of entry near Surrey, B.C.

On May 8, 2026, the CBSA charged Ferguson and Davies under the IRPA, and both remained in custody until sentencing.

Davies pled guilty on August 19, 2026, in Manitoba Provincial Court to the charge of failure to report, contrary to section 124 of IRPA. He was sentenced to time served, equivalent to 156 days in prison.

CBSA would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance with this investigation.

Quotes

"The Canada Border Services Agency upholds the integrity of Canada's immigration system by safeguarding our borders and prosecuting individuals who attempt to break our laws. These convictions sends an important message to anyone considering illegally crossing across into Canada: you will be caught and held accountable."

-    The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"The CBSA border services officers and criminal investigations team in Manitoba skillfully uncovered and investigated this illegal stowaway entry attempt. We will continue to gather evidence and pursue prosecution against those who attempt to willfully violate Canada's immigration system. All persons seeking entry to Canada must present themselves to the CBSA."

-    Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region

 Quick Facts

• All persons seeking entry to Canada must report for examination to determine whether they enter Canada by right or whether they are or may become authorized to enter Canada.
• The CBSA's Criminal Investigations Section investigates and pursues the prosecution of persons who willfully violate Canada's border-related legislation including the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Individuals who violate Canada's immigration laws are subject to serious consequences, including criminal charges, court fines, probation, imprisonment and a criminal record.
• The CBSA works closely with its domestic and international law enforcement partners to detect and prevent illegal cross-border activity.
• Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the Border Plan is available here: The Government of Canada's Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.

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SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency