Couple found with weapons at Coutts border crossing

A husband and wife from the U.S. are facing numerous charges after border officials found 24 guns in two vehicles entering Canada at the Coutts border crossing earlier this month.

The man and woman were driving separate SUVs with trailers when they arrived at the border April 9. The Alaskabound travellers were referred for a secondary examination during which officials found and seized 16 long guns and eight handguns that had not been declared. Four of the firearms are prohibited in Canada and cannot be imported. Officers also seized 70 overcapacity ammunition magazines, which the travellers also failed to declare.

Christopher Douglas Gies, 41, and Caroline Elizabeth Gies, 42, are charged with seven counts under the Customs Act, as well as four counts of unauthorized importation and four counts of possession of a loaded, prohibited weapon, under the Criminal Code.

Christopher was remanded in custody following his arrest, but released on $10,000 bail — despite Crown opposition — following a hearing Friday in Lethbridge provincial court. He was also ordered to appear in court when required, report weekly to the RCMP, and not possess any weapons when he is in Canada.

“Failing to declare at the border is not a time-saver, and it is definitely not worth the risk,” Guy Rook of the Canada Border Services Agency, said in a news release. “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.”

The couple’s next court hearing is set for June 4 in Lethbridge.

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