Coutts border crossing. (CBSA)

By David Opinko

CBSA officers seize prohibited guns at Coutts crossing

Feb 28, 2022 | 9:47 AM

COUTTS, AB – Border officials at Coutts say they confiscated seven illegal weapons last month that were being imported into Canada.

On January 3, 2022, two U.S. residents tried to enter Canada in a motor home and were pulled aside for further examination.

Officers with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) found several weapons that were not declared by the travellers.

They include two prohibited assault-style rifles, four prohibited 9 mm handguns, and one restricted .45 calibre handgun.

Also seized were 11 prohibited high-capacity magazines.

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“Firearms that are not properly declared may be seized by the CBSA, as well as the vehicles used to carry them,” reads a media release from the CBSA. “In addition, the CBSA may launch criminal proceedings against travellers who violate border laws. A court conviction can result in fines, jail time, and impact a foreign national’s ability to return to Canada in the future.”

Adam Peter Brown, 39, of Alaska, and Bethany Ann Brown, 42, of Alaska, each face five charges including smuggling, making false statements, possessing a prohibited or restricted gun with ammunition, failing to follow firearms storage regulations, and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Ben Tame, Director of CBSA Operations in Southern Alberta, highlighted the organization’s commitment to monitoring for illegal weapons at border crossings.

“Canada Border Services Agency officers remain on alert to seize smuggled firearms at the border. This is a top priority for the Agency and an important way we contribute to Canada’s public safety, protecting the communities we serve.”

Last year, the CBSA in Southern Alberta seized 42 total firearms in 30 separate incidents. Nationally, 1,122 firearms were confiscated, which is more than double the number from 2020.