US man gets 27 months in prison for trying to smuggle weapons across BC border

A US citizen has been sentenced to over two years in prison for possessing and attempting to smuggle a prohibited handgun into Canada.

According to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), Jerry Armas attempted to enter Canada through the Douglas port of entry in March 2023 with no declaration.

A news release says that during a vehicle search, border services officers found 18.1 grams of cocaine along with a “privately-made, un-serialized” 9mm ghost gun, along with 118 rounds of ammunition.

He was charged for an offence under the Customs Act and Criminal Code.

Armas, who is from California, appeared in Surrey court and pled guilty to two offences on Mar. 21, 2024.

Armas received a 25-month sentence for possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition and a two month sentence for smuggling a firearm.

He also received a lifetime firearms prohibition, the release says.

“Stopping prohibited firearms from coming into Canada is part of CBSA’s commitment to protect our communities,” says Nina Patel, Regional Director General, CBSA Pacific Region, in the release.

“This conviction and sentence demonstrate the important work being done at our borders and the consequences individuals face for smuggling."

Thumbnail photo credit: CBSA file picture