BREAKING: RCMP arrest 11 at Coutts border crossing, seize weapons

According to police: "The Alberta RCMP recently became aware of a small organized group within the larger Coutts protest. Information was received that this group had access to a cache of firearms with a large quantity of ammunition."

"The group was said to have a willingness to use force against the police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade. This resulted in an immediate and complex investigation to determine the extent of the threat and criminal organization," the statement from police continues.

Police searched three trailers and found 13 long guns, handguns, multiple sets of body armour, a machete, a large quantity of ammunition, and high capacity magazines.

The RCMP say that the 11 arrested were a part of the "militant mindset of a small segment of the protest."