A 36-year-old Toronto man who was arrested last week near 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 10 of the seized weapons were loaded. A 25th handgun was later found in the snow by officers.

Pham is charged with importing unauthorized firearms.

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