Penticton jury issues guilty verdict in weapons smuggling trial
PENTICTON – The trial for an Oliver indigenous man accused of smuggling two firearms across the Canada-U.S. border ended with a guilty verdict in Penticton court today.
Alex Louie defended himself against nine counts involving the smuggling of two guns across the international border at Osoyoos on Feb.1. 2017 in a jury trial that began last Tuesday, Oct.24.
Louie refused to recognize the court’s authority, arguing as a First Nations person, Canadian laws do not apply to him.
The court acted on Louie’s behalf, entering not guilty pleas and implementing a jury trial in Supreme Court when Louie refused to enter his own pleas or trial preference.
The jury returned a verdict of guilty this afternoon, Oct. 30.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 21.
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