CBSA gun seizure at Coutts
Largest handgun seizure ever at the Port of Coutts
Photo courtesy ezbordercrossing.com
A 54-year old Florida man has been turned over to the RCMP and a number of weapons have been seized after officers at the Coutts Port of Entry stopped the man, searched his vehicle and found a large cache of weapons.
Canada Border Service Agency officers confiscated 75 firearms, including 48 handguns, making the bust the largest handgun seizure in the history of the Port of Coutts.
Four of the handguns were loaded. Officers also found one blowgun, one pistol crossbow and 12 high capacity magazines.
George Foster of Florida arrived at the Coutts Port of Entry on Feb. 21. He told border officials that he was heading to Alaska and when asked by CBSA officers if he had any firearms, Foster allegedly declared he had none. Officers began a secondary examination of his vehicle and discovered the guns and accessories allegedly hidden inside the man’s pickup truck. The weapons were seized by the officers.
Foster was arrested and turned over to the RCMP and is now facing ten charges, however, more charges may be pending, according to the CBSA. His next court appearance will be in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Feb. 23.
Vic Toews, minister of public safety, commended the efforts of the CBSA on the seizure of such a large number of smuggled firearms and other weapons.
“This is welcome news for communities across Canada, and clearly demonstrates that our officers are vigilant in disrupting this illegal activity. These types of weapons are often used to commit violent crime,” said Toews. “We commend the efforts of our border services officers for their success in taking them off our streets and out of our communities.
Lauren D. Delgaty, regional director general, CBSA Prairie Region added “This seizure demonstrates the commitment CBSA officers have in making sure our borders aren’t used for illegal activity. Our firearms laws are clear and these enforcement actions help keep Canada’s communities safe and secure.”
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