Toronto man lugging sackful of 24 handguns arrested near Lacolle border crossing

A 36-year-old Toronto man who was arrested last weeknear a Canada-U.S.border crossing is to remain in detention until his next bail hearing in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on Jan. 10.

The RCMP says Thanh Viet Pham crossed illegally into Canada near Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle on Dec. 23, lugging a bag containing 24 handguns of various calibres.

American border patrol officers flagged Canadian officials when they noticed the man walking towards Canada.

The RCMP says at least 10of the seized weapons were loaded. A 25thhandgun was later found in the snowby officers.

Phamis charged withimporting unauthorized firearms.

If convicted, he could face up to 10years' imprisonment.