Suspected marijuana and undeclared gun seized at Southern Alberta ports

News Release

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made two significant seizures at the Coutts and Carway Alberta border crossings over the August long weekend.

On August 2, 2014, a resident of Red Deer, Alberta, was referred for a secondary examination at the port of Coutts. During the examination, officers uncovered two bags of cocoa, which tested positive for suspected marijuana. In total, officers seized approximately 648 grams of cocoa laced with suspected marijuana. The woman was arrested for smuggling and turned over to the RCMP who laid charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The following day, Douglas Lee Bowers, 51, of Anchorage, Alaska attempted to enter Canada at the port of Carway. During a secondary examination, officers located a loaded .45-calibre pistol in the centre console of his vehicle that had not been declared. Bowers was arrested and charged by the CBSA Criminal Investigations Unit. On Tuesday, August 5, 2014, Bowers plead guilty to smuggling under the Customs Act. He was fined $6000, ordered to forfeit his gun and ammunition, and was issued a 10-year firearm prohibition.

Quick Facts

Since January 1, 2014, CBSA officers at the port of Coutts have made 38 drug seizures.
Since January 1, 2014, CBSA officers in Southern Alberta have seized 40 undeclared firearms.

Canadian residents and non-residents importing firearms and weapons into Canada must declare them and meet all licensing and registration requirements under the Firearms Act.