(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

11 Arrested

Alberta RCMP make arrests at Coutts Border Blockade

Feb 14, 2022 | 12:11 PM

UPDATE: RCMP say additional individuals have been arrested in connection to the Coutts border blockade:

Earlier today, Mounties had an arrest on the highway where two weapons were seized and an individual was arrested and remains in custody. He was stopped by police while en-route back to the protest site.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., a northbound semi truck approached an RCMP check stop north of Milk River, when the driver accelerated and drove towards RCMP members. The driver swerved at the last moment and hit some traffic cones which were on the roadway. The driver was arrested close to the scene for criminal code offences.

Police note these are the 12^th and 13^th individuals to be arrested in the past 24 hours in connection to the Coutts border protests.

—

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

10h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Nearly a dozen people have been arrested at a southern Alberta border crossing after RCMP seized multiple firearms from a group of individuals taking part in a protest at Coutts.

Alberta RCMP say they recently became aware of a small, organized group within the larger Coutts protest. Information was received that this group had access to a cache of firearms with a large quantity of ammunition.

The group was said to have a willingness to use force against the police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade. Mounties say this resulted in an immediate and complex investigation to determine the extent of the threat and criminal organization.

As a result of the investigation, Alberta RCMP executed a search warrant during the early morning hours of Feb. 14, on three trailers associated to the alleged criminal organization. This resulted in the arrest and detainment of 11 individuals.

As result of the search warrants, police seized 13 long guns, handguns, multiple sets of body armour, a machete, a large quantity of ammunition and high capacity magazines.

(Alberta RCMP)

RCMP note as an example of the militant mindset of a small segment of the protest, earlier in the evening, at approximately 8:00 p.m., a large farm tractor and a semi-truck, both involved in the blockade, attempted to ram a police vehicle. The police officer was able to reposition, however, and avoid the collision.

RCMP officers followed the suspects to a location where the protesters were gathered. The driver of the tractor was identified and Mounties are actively working to locate him so he can be taken into custody.

Alberta RCMP have seized the farm tractor and semi-truck involved in the incident.

Alberta RCMP also wants to emphasize that its primary goal throughout this event has been and will continue to be the safety of the public, as well as its officers.

Alberta RCMP will resume its efforts to end the illegal blockade which has prevented access to the Coutts border. Mounties encourage all participants who are involved in this illegal action to leave immediately or relocate to the designated site for the legal protest.

Alberta RCMP is expected to provide further updates as they become available.

NDP Justice Critic Irfan Sabir issued the following statement regarding the discovery of weapons at the Coutts blockade:

“The discovery of weapons, ammunition, and body armour at the illegal Coutts blockade is deeply concerning. There can be no further debate about whether this is a peaceful assembly or not.

“It is even more troubling that Premier Jason Kenney and his UCP MLAs have supported the blockade with one of them actively participating in it. Grant Hunter has faced no consequences for his role in the Coutts blockade, and remains in the UCP government caucus today. This is unacceptable.

“This weak leadership from the premier and his UCP government is costing the Alberta economy an estimated $44 million every day. The UCP’s failure threatens jobs and disrupts families. Now we have found out that it also poses a serious threat to the safety of Albertans.

“The UCP has refused to go to court to seek an injunction to disperse the blockade, and refused to exercise its authority over commercial vehicle licences.

“This blockade must end. The UCP government must take all necessary steps to have it cleared as quickly and as safely as possible.”