Prosecutions and Seizures

Prairie Region (including the Northwest Territories)

CBSA officers seize guns and ammunition at the border

Calgary, Alberta, January 7, 2009 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Coutts, Alberta border crossing have seized 10 semi-automatic handguns, including one semi-automatic machine pistol, 11 high-capacity magazines and 300 rounds of ammunition.

The handguns and ammunition were discovered on January 3, 2009, while CBSA officers were examining a passenger vehicle entering Canada from the United States. The firearms and ammunition were concealed behind the panels of the vehicle.

An Edmonton-area resident was arrested and turned over to the Lethbridge RCMP, Customs and Excise Section. He has been charged with 45 firearms offences including possession of firearms for the purpose of trafficking and unauthorized importation of firearms. His next court appearance is January 28, 2009.

This seizure is the result of a joint investigation between the CBSA and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The investigation continues with the assistance of the Lethbridge RCMP (Customs and Excise Section) and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (Lethbridge Division).

The CBSA is committed to preventing illegal firearms and prohibited devices from entering the country. Each year, hundreds of firearms and prohibited devices are confiscated at various points of entry across Canada. In the last five years, CBSA officers in Alberta have seized more than 400 firearms. These enforcement actions help to keep Canada’s communities safe and secure.

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For media information:

Lisa White
Canada Border Services Agency
Calgary, AB
403-292-4011

Sergeant Patrick Webb
RCMP K Division – Southern Alberta
Calgary, AB
403-699-2418