ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

February 17, 2000 9:30 AM, EST

Canadian customs officers at border crossings with the United States will assume greater responsibilities under a new law that could lead some drivers in international commerce to be detained.

The rule, which will take effect this spring, allows customs officers to arrest travelers suspected of having committed crimes or who are wanted for crimes in other jurisdictions.

While the law has the potential to increase delays at the already backed-up Canadian border, some carriers have said that law-abiding drivers will have nothing to fear.

Despite a popular misconception, customs officers will not have the authority to deny entry to travelers based on their criminal record. That power is held by immigration officials.

For the full story, see the Feb. 14 print edition of Transport Topics. .