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South Surrey border officials get second season

TV series focuses on Canada-bound travellers, including those crossing into the country through South Surrey borders.
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Officers at the Pacific Highway border in South Surrey question a traveller

The second season of a controversial TV series aimed at giving a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at Canada’s border crossings – including those used by Semiahmoo Peninsula residents – hits the airways next week on the National Geographic Channel.

The first back-to-back episodes of Border Security: Canada’s Front Line premiere Tuesday (Aug. 27) at 9 p.m., and include scenes shot at the Pacific Highway crossing.

According to a Force Four Entertainment statement, the series – which launched last September – “shows the challenges faced by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officers as they intercept suspicious characters and illegal contraband from around the world.”

“Each episode follows the investigation of real-life situations showing how officers use technology, training, and gut instincts to piece together the truth,” said Force Four executive producer and partner Rob Bromley.

Highlights of season 2 include the discovery of a “hair-raising” package from Malaysia; a traveller with a third leg; a suspicious water heater; the arrest of a wanted burglar; and a questionable shipment of cosmetics.

Earlier this year, the series caused an uproar when the reality TV crew filmed a raid by Canadian agents in which migrant workers were arrested and some later deported.

BC Civil Liberties Association officials raised privacy objections and later described the filming of cross-border travellers as “completely inappropriate.”

“CBSA can’t assume that people consent to being filmed for TV just because they cross the border,” executive director Josh Paterson said at the time.

Signs posted at Lower Mainland crossings regarding the filming were revised to advise travellers their faces will be obscured if they don’t consent to being filmed.

Asked Tuesday if the signs remain, Force Four officials said filming is complete.

Border Security: Canada’s Front Line is based on the format of a similar Australian series now in its 13th season. Episodes from season 1 are currently airing.

For a schedule, visit http://natgeotv.com/ca/border-security/about

 



Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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