American busted for smuggling loaded guns across Fraser Valley border crossing

SURREY — An American who tried to smuggle loaded, restricted firearms through the Canadian border crossing in Surrey will live to regret his ill-advised decision.

The Canada Border Services Agency announced in a press release Thursday (May 4) that Jonathan Ressler, a U.S. resident, was sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to the possession of loaded, restricted and prohibited firearms without a license, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Ressler was sentenced on Wednesday, April 26.

On March 19, 2023, Ressler was seeking entry into Canada at the Pacific Highway port of entry in Surrey when he was referred for secondary examination. A search of his vehicle revealed two loaded pistols and four prohibited overcapacity magazines. One of the pistols is a prohibited firearm while the other is a restricted firearm.