They probably already had a scanner..

you're probably correct.

Evidence that has come to light since then proves that they were really certain
ham radio operators from the U.S. who were illegally pretending to be Canadian
Border Patrol Guards (although I'm sure that they found some loophole to
legally do their illegal activities. That ssounds contradictory, but it isn't.
They were very smart, bery intelligent, and very sneaky, and that's a dangerous
combination when used for purposely illegal activities.)

I know that not all hamss are that way. I would say a small minority.

However, there are other legal hams who think that no ham radio operator would
ever commit illegal activities.

However, I know from experience that they are wrong.

the trutth is, it's like most everywhere else, there's some good people in it
and some bad people in it.