Speight will make sure each of the athletes is permitted to enter the country, declared his or her goods and that these goods are within the restrictions set by the Canadian government.

In particular, he said, he'll be looking for firearms. If serial numbers don't match up, or if the guns don't meet Canadian standards, they will be seized.

Then there's the contraband problem. Many of the athletes will be toting traditional costumes, which may contain animal parts, such as eagle feathers.

As well, the Alaskan trade show display case, consisting of animal exhibits, is expected to be on the plane. Normally, import licences are required to bring such items into the country. In this case, the Canadian Wildlife Service will be made aware of the situation ahead of time to avoid problems.

Anything brought for the purpose of being sold will be subject to duties and taxes.

It could be a whole lot worse. Although it's yet to be confirmed, athletes from Greenland may clear customs in Iqaluit. The Russian participants could possibly touch down in Vancouver first, lightening Speight's load.

If worst comes to worst, Speight will have to enlist the help of RCMP officers, he said.

"But at the moment, there's just going to be me and the immigration officer dealing with the flights, which isn't too bad," he said.

Speight, who moved to Yellowknife from Winnipeg earlier this month, has been working for Canada Customs for close to nine years. He said many travellers aren't aware that a customs office exists in Yellowknife.

According to Speight, of those who are aware, many don't realize that customs officers -- who enforce the rules and regulations of 60 government offices -- are there to provide many services, including general information on customs regulations.