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A firearm seized by an American man at the Coutts border crossing has lead to a conviction. (Photo: Canada Border Services Agency)

Man sentenced for smuggling restricted handgun at Coutts border

Mar 3, 2025 | 12:02 PM

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it is another example of how their officers work to keep Canadians safe.

Randy Keith Thompson, an American citizen, has been sentenced on one count each of smuggling and making a false or deceptive statement.

Thompson attempted to enter Canada at the Coutts border crossing on September 8, 2024.

The CBSA says he properly declared two non-restricted firearms, but when pulled aside for a secondary vehicle search, officers say they found an undeclared, loaded handgun hidden in the vehicle.

The gun in question was a Ruger LC 380.

Thompson was charged under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.

He has been ordered to pay an $8,000 fine, has a 10-year conditional firearms prohibition order, and was made to forfeit the seized gun and magazines.

Janalee Bell-Boychuk, CBSA Regional Director General for the Prairie Region, says stopping prohibited firearms from coming into Canada is part of their commitment to protect communities.

“This conviction demonstrates the important work being done at our borders and the consequences individuals face for smuggling. The CBSA will continue to remove illicit firearms from our streets and investigate those who break Canada’s laws,” says Bell-Boychuk.

In 2024, the CBSA says it seized approximately 60 firearms and 820 prohibited weapons in Alberta.

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