An American man was arrested at the North Portal border crossing and returned to the United States after failing to declare his firearm. 

"Our officers referred a commercial driver from Utah for further examination," explained Luke Reimer, a communications officer with the Canadian Border Services Agency. "And while searching his cab, they found a loaded prohibited .357 caliber revolver. In that case, the traveler was arrested and then paid a $1000 penalty for failing to declare and after that, he was refused entry to Canada and returned to the United States."

"It's our 17th undeclared firearm that officers have seized in Saskatchewan. Those 17 firearms have been seize in 9 incidents so far this year."

The CBSA is also reminding travelers about the rules are transporting food, plant and animal products.

"Under Canadian law, travelers are required to declare all food and plant and animal products that they bring with them in to Canada. And the reason various food, plant and animal products are restricted or prohibited entry is because they can harbour foreign animal and plant pests and diseases and these things can cause irreparable harm to Canada's crops, livestock and farms and threaten Canada's economy."

"Being in Saskatchewan, an agricultural community, of course, I think that's even more relevant."

"The CBSA strongly recommends that travelers verify the requirements for food, plants and animal products that you intend to import before you arrive at the border. And they can do that by consulting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website."

And travelers are recommended to check the website every time they travel as those restrictions can change due to new outbreaks or other concerns. 

"The restrictions are there to protect us, to help keep Canada's animals, plants and natural habitats healthy and safe."

"And if you arrive at the border and you are still unsure about an item, just ask the border services officer, they're there to help. The most important thing is to declare any food, plant or animal products that you are bringing back with you."

There are a number of items that travelers commonly fail to declare. Even muddy boots brought back over the border can be potentially dangerous. 

"That can include things like canned foods, soil, wooden crafts, milk products, fruits and vegetables. Some of these travelers may not realize the hazards of food plant and animal products, but the risks to Canada's food supply, economy and environment and even human health are all very real and that's the reason these regulations are in place."

"There is no penalty if you declare a product and are informed that it's not allowed entry into Canada, but if you don't declare the product in the first place, that can lead to seizure, a penalty up to $1300, and even prosecution."