American to stand trial on weapons smuggling in January

A U.S. citizen whose wife was fined $6,000 for trying to smuggle a gun into Canada several months ago is set to stand trial next year on identical charges.

Christopher Gies faces seven counts of contravening the Canada Custom Act, four counts of unauthorized importation and four counts of possession of a loaded, prohibited weapon. His case was in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday but simply adjourned for a two-day trial beginning Jan. 14, 2019.

The accused’s wife, Caroline Gies, was fined last month after she pleaded guilty to one count of contravening the Canada Customs Act. The .45calibre 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.

Court was told during her sentencing hearing Aug. 28 that she and her husband, who were driving separate vehicles with trailers, were detained and searched after they arrived at the Coutts border April 9. During the search officials found four prohibited firearms, seven restricted firearms, 13 non-restricted firearms, 70 overcapacity ammunition magazines and more than 27,000 rounds of ammunition.

Federal Crown prosecutor Deanna Smyth told court the couple arrived at the border about 6 p.m. and Christopher, a military veteran, was questioned first by officers. He denied having any firearms or ammunition but 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 armrest. When officers again asked Christopher if he had any firearms, he admitted he did. Smyth noted that Christopher was also carrying on his person three knives and several rounds of .22calibre ammunition.

Although presented as evidence during Caroline’s sentencing, the allegations against her husband have not been proven in court.

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