CBSA officers in Coutts seize cache of firearms and ammunition

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced on September 11 the seizure of 18 firearms, along with weapons and ammunition at the port of Coutts.

On September 8, 2012, three U.S. residents arrived at the port of Coutts, transiting to Alaska in a pick-up truck and travel trailer. When asked by CBSA officers if there were any firearms in the vehicle or trailer, the driver declared that he had seven long guns.

Officers began a routine secondary examination of the vehicle, where they discovered the following contraband concealed under a bed in the travel trailer:

• seven rifles (restricted and non-restricted),
• 11 hand guns (restricted and prohibited),
• nine prohibited over-capacity magazines,
• four flares,
• 12 non-explosive smoke grenades, one incendiary grenade, 
• and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Michael John Dorsey, 42, of Alaska, was arrested and turned over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Border Integrity section. Dorsey faces six Criminal Code and two Customs Act charges. His next court appearance is September 11 in Lethbridge Provincial Court.

The CBSA reminds all travellers that they are required to declare all goods they are bringing into Canada, including any firearms and weapons in their possession. Failure to declare goods (including firearms) and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.

For information about your rights and obligations regarding the importation of firearms and other weapons into Canada, visit the CBSA Web site.