Woman fined for smuggling gun across border

Woman’s husband pleads not guilty to similar charges

An American woman passing through Alberta on her way to Alaska was caught at the Coutts border crossing trying to smuggle a loaded handgun into the country.

Caroline Gies, who told border officers she and her family were moving to Alaska from Nebraska, was also caught lying when she denied having any guns, ammunition or other weapons with her.

She and her husband, Christopher Gies, who were driving separate vehicles with trailers, were detained at the border for a search, during which officials found four prohibited firearms, seven restricted firearms, 13 non-restricted firearms, 70 over-capacity ammunition magazines and more than 27,000 rounds of ammunition.

Caroline pleaded guilty Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court to one count of contravening the Canada Customs Act and was fined $6,000. The .45-calibre gun she tried to smuggle over the border nearly five months ago was forfeited to the Crown, as were four over capacity magazines and one can of pepper spray found in her vehicle.

Federal Crown prosecutor Deanna Smyth told court the couple arrived at the border about 6 p.m. April 9 where Christopher, a military veteran, was questioned first by officers. He denied having any firearms or ammunition, then admitted he might have some ammunition in the trailer for a rifle he had previously sold. He was referred for a secondary examination, followed by his wife moments later.

As officers prepared to search her vehicle, she told them there was a gun in the glove box. Her son, who was travelling with her, said there was also some ammunition and magazines in the arm rest. When officers again asked Christopher if he had any firearms, he came clean.

Smyth noted that Christopher was also carrying on his person three knives and several rounds of .22-calibre ammunition.

The allegations against Christopher have not been proven in court, where he pleaded not guilty Tuesday to multiple counts of contravening the Customs Act, and several counts under the Criminal Code of unauthorized importation, and possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm. Identical charges against his wife were withdrawn by the Crown.

The charges against Christopher are back in court Sept. 19 when a two-day trial may be scheduled.