Weapons, ammunition seized as 11 people arrested at Coutts border blockade

In a news release Monday morning, Alberta RCMP said they recently became aware of a small organized group within those involved in the larger Coutts border protest.

Alberta RCMP say they have detained 11 people after an investigation at the Coutts border crossing led to the seizure of more than dozen long guns, hand guns, ammunition and body armour.

In a news release Monday morning, RCMP said they recently became aware of a small organized group within those involved in the larger Coutts border protest.

“The group was said to have a willingness to use force against the police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade,” RCMP said.

“This resulted in an immediate and complex investigation to determine the extent of the threat and criminal organization.”

A search warrant was executed early Monday morning on three trailers that RCMP allege were association to the criminal organization. The following items were seized:

Police said 11 people were arrested and detained as a result of this investigation.

The RCMP did not say whether charges had been laid, but said more information would be released as it become available.

The RCMP said it is also searching for a suspect after an incident at the blockade Sunday night. At about 8 p.m., police said a large farm tractor and a semi-truck attempted to ram a police vehicle. The officer in the vehicle was able to reposition and avoid the collision.