The U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police recently concluded a two-day joint law enforcement operation along the shared international border at the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Personnel from the RCMP’s marine unit in Kingston, Ont., and Coast Guard Station Alexandria Bay conducted the patrols as part of the collaborative program known as integrated cross-border maritime law enforcement operations, referred to informally as Canada-U.S. Shiprider.

As a result of the operations, several vessels were stopped and boarded by specially trained and designated members of the Coast Guard and RCMP.

Cross-border crime is a two-way challenge that has implications for both U.S. and Canadian citizens, said the Coast Guard press release “Shiprider” removes jurisdictional roadblocks associated with an international border. It allows U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officers in the program to work side by side while under the direct supervision of the host country officer.

"I saw firsthand how the removal of the international boundary as a barrier to law enforcement enhanced maritime security on the St. Lawrence River,” said Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Brandon Liesen. “I look forward to teaming up with RCMP Kingston in the future to continue strengthening our partnership."

"These operations with the U.S. Coast Guard eliminate the international border as a barrier to law enforcement activities," said Sgt. Rick Hudson, RCMP Kingston Detachment. “Protecting the safety and security of Canadians does not start or end at the border anymore."