Two people arrested after numerous weapons seized at Canada-U.S. border

TORONTO – A man and woman are facing more than 70 charges after police say numerous guns and other weapons were seized at a U.S.-Canada border crossing.

The Canada Border Services Agency stopped a couple and their two children on March 16 as they crossed into Canada on the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, after getting a tip from Toronto police.

Police say a search of the couple’s van resulted in the seizure of six concealed handguns and a seventh handgun was found on the man.

Also found in the van were two inert hand grenades, ammunition, over-capacity magazines and knives and the discovery of the hand grenades forced temporary closure of several lanes of the Rainbow Bridge.

Police say another 34 firearms – including 20 handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition – were later seized in raids at the couple’s home.

Investigators also allege that five firearms smuggled into Canada by the accused were recovered at crime scenes in Toronto and Peel Region, including one used in an attempted murder.

Donald Earl Hare, 44, and Amanda Brent, 43, both of Proton Station, Ont. (northwest of Orangeville) have been charged with 73 firearm and firearm-trafficking-related charges.

They are scheduled to appear in a Toronto court on Tuesday.