A Niagara Falls, N.Y., man faces criminal charges after the Canada Borders Services Agency (CBSA) said its officers seized 20 undeclared firearms in his vehicle at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls.

CBSA said Tuesday that a vehicle was referred to a secondary examination at the customs site on the Canadian side. During that examination, CBSA officers supported by a dog team discovered the guns concealed inside an aftermarket compartment in the vehicle.

Marquise Tariff Watkins, 28, was charged by the CBSA with willful evasion, making false statements and attempting to smuggle.

CBSA contacted Niagara Regional Police officers who came to the bridge and laid several charges.

The seizure took place on Oct. 16. CBSA issued the news release on Nov. 14.

Watkins’ next court date was scheduled for Nov. 14 in St. Catharines.

CBSA said the seizure and arrest are the result of a collaborative effort between the CBSA, the OPP’s weapons enforcement unit, regional police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The investigation continues.

“This seizure and arrest demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent firearms from illegally entering Canada at the border,” said Rick Comerford, regional director general for the southern Ontario region with CBSA. “I am proud of CBSA’s intelligence officers, investigators and border services officers who work diligently to stop the smuggling of firearms into our communities. Strong collaborative partnerships between the CBSA and its domestic and international partners are essential to ensuring the safety of Canadians.”

CBSA said people with information about suspicious cross-border activity can contact the CBSA border watch toll free line at 1-888-502-9060.