By Charles Lefebvre

Two U.S. residents arrested after 24 guns seized at border

Apr 17, 2018 | 3:01 PM

COUTTS, AB — Two U.S. residents have been charged after 24 undeclared firearms were seized at the Coutts border crossing earlier this month.

According to a news release from the Canada Border Services Agency, the seizure took place on April 9. Two travellers heading to Alaska were selected for further examination. Each traveller was driving an SUV and towing a trailer.

During the examination, officers found 16 long guns and eight handguns that were not declared, along with 70 undeclared overcapacity magazines. Four of the firearms were classified as prohibited, meaning they can’t be brought in for any reason.

“Failing to declare at the border is not a time-saver, and it is definitely not worth the risk,” said Guy Rook, director for southern Alberta with the CBSA. “We are happy to assist lawful gun owners with importing their firearms properly, but if you don’t declare them, you are breaking the law and will be treated accordingly.”

Christopher Douglas Gies 41, and Caroline Elizabeth Gies, 42, are facing seven charged under the customs act and eight charges under the criminal code. They appear again in Lethbridge provincial court on June 4.

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The CBSA says travellers who do not declare firearms upon arrival can face arrest, seizure, monetary penalties and potential criminal prosecution, and can also make visitors inadmissible to enter Canada.

In 2017, CBSA officers in southern Alberta seized more than 50 undeclared firearms, including more than 30 handguns. The majority of firearms seized from land ports of entry were from U.S. travellers heading to Canada.