The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping Canadians safe and ensuring individuals who attempt to smuggle illegal firearms and narcotics across the border are held accountable.
Following a CBSA investigation, Jerry Armas, a U.S. Citizen from California, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing and attempting to smuggle a loaded, prohibited handgun into Canada.
Armas appeared before the court in Surrey, BC on March 21, 2024, and pleaded guilty to two offences with the following sentences:
- Section 95(1) of the Criminal Code: 25 months for possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
- Section 159(1) of the Customs Act: 2 months for smuggling a firearm
In addition to the prison sentence, Armas also received a lifetime firearms prohibition.
In March 2023, Armas attempted to enter Canada through the Douglas port of entry with no declaration. Upon a vehicle examination, border services officers found 18.1 grams of cocaine and a privately-made, un-serialized 9mm ghost gun, along with 118 rounds of ammunition. CBSA investigators subsequently charged Armas for offences under the Customs Act and Criminal Code.
