11 people arrested for preparing “armed resistance” in Canada
Police in the Canadian province of Alberta said they arrested 11 people in Coats, one of the busiest ports of entry on the Canada-US border, who had access to a large range of weapons and ammunition and were willing to “use force against the police.”
Police received reports that a small organized group participating in a protest at the border had access to a cache of firearms and a “large amount” of ammunition. The press release refers to this group as a criminal organization.
The group was preparing to fend off the police if law enforcement officers tried to break the siege.
Police issued a search warrant early Monday morning and searched three trailers. As a result, they confiscated 13 long-barreled pistols, pistols, several sets of body armor, a machete, a large amount of ammunition, as well as high-capacity magazines.
According to the police, a large agricultural tractor and semi-trailer involved in the siege attempted to run over a police car the night before. The officer managed to avoid a collision and the police followed the suspects to the place where they found the demonstrators.
The tractor driver has now been identified and law enforcement officers are looking for him.
Efforts will be resumed to end the illegal blockade that impedes access to the Cotes border, the police said in a statement.
“We call on all those involved in this illegal act to immediately leave it or move to the place designated for a legitimate protest,” the police said in a statement.
