A truck full of sports equipment, wheelchairs and educational supplies destined for Cuba has been stopped at the U.S.-Canada border.
The shipment is part of the “Pastors for Peace Caravan for Cuba.” The items were collected from communities throughout B.C.
Members of the group say that the truck was diverted to the Pacific Truck Crossing after attempting to cross at the Peace Arch.
Once at Peace Arch, the truck was pulled aside for secondary questioning.
After four hours, U.S. customs informed organizers that the shipment could not cross the border without a bond. They also said no sporting goods would be allowed to enter the U.S.
Humanitarian aid is usually exempt from customs duties.
Supporters are holding a press conference today at noon at the Pacific crossing, demanding that the U.S. allow the shipment through.
They say they will wait 24 hours a day until the shipment is allowed through without any conditions.
They are also calling on the U.S. government to improve relations with Cuba.
Organizers ran into the same issue last year, and the shipment was allowed through without paying a duty.
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