Canadian police arrested and detained 11 folks at one of many trucker protests towards sure COVID-19 pandemic restrictions after discovering a cache of weapons and ammunition.
The Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) mentioned in a information launch that they have been made conscious of a small organized group on the Coutts protest and executed a search warrant on three trailers related to the group. The search uncovered weapons, physique armor, a machete, ammunition and high-capacity magazines.
The so-called Freedom Convoy started as an illustration towards Canada's mandate that requires truckers to both get absolutely vaccinated towards COVID-19 when crossing the U.S.-Canadian border or quarantine for 2 weeks. It has since expanded with others additionally opposing pandemic restrictions like masks mandates.
Bridge blockades and different disruptions had already resulted in some protest arrests, however the 11 detained by the Alberta RCMP grew to become the latest additions.
Police mentioned within the launch that they obtained info that the organized group had entry "to a cache of firearms with a big amount of ammunition."
"The group was mentioned to have a willingness to make use of power towards the police if any makes an attempt have been made to disrupt the blockade. This resulted in a direct and sophisticated investigation to find out the extent of the risk and felony group," the discharge mentioned.
Within the early hours Monday, the Alberta RCMP executed the search warrant on the group's trailers, uncovering the cache of apparatus and weapons that included 13 lengthy weapons and handguns. The 11 people have been then arrested and detained, the discharge mentioned.
The Alberta RCMP didn't instantly identify any of the people who had been arrested.
A small a part of the protest had proven a "militant mindset," based on the RCMP. The discharge cited an incident from the night earlier than when a big farm tractor and a semi truck from the blockade allegedly tried to ram a police car.
The officer within the car was in a position to transfer and keep away from being struck.
"RCMP officers adopted the suspects to a location the place the protesters have been gathered. The driving force of the tractor was recognized and we're actively working to find him so he could be taken into custody. The Alberta RCMP have seized the farm tractor and semi truck concerned on this incident," the discharge mentioned.
The Coutts border crossing is considered one of a number of areas all through Canada that has been affected by the protests and blockades. The Ambassador Bridge was reopened Sunday night time after demonstrators blocked it for days, disrupting site visitors and commerce, however protesters and authorities stay in a standoff within the Canadian capital of Ottawa, the Washington Put up reported.
The Freedom Convoy has additionally impressed an upcoming American model referred to as the "MAGA Convoy," a reference to former president Donald Trump's "Make America Nice Once more" slogan, based on an electronic mail from the organizers. It's set to begin in Los Angeles on February 25 and make its option to Washington, D.C.
The Alberta RCMP inspired anybody concerned with the Coutts blockade to go away, and mentioned that they might resume work to clear it.
Newsweek reached out to the Alberta RCMP for added remark.
Replace 2/14/22, 3:20 p.m. ET: This story was up to date with extra info and background.
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