Denis “Sasquatch” Barthe of local metal-monsters Cradle to Grave was handcuffed at gunpoint by five U.S. border guards on August 23, held for five hours, then returned to Canada in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle.

The guitarist was attempting to enter the U.S. at the Pacific Highway border crossing with a valid P-2 work visa for a six-date tour of the States, but was scuppered by discrepancies between paperwork and the band’s schedule.

Barthe told the Straight, “The P-2 work visa needs to be submitted four months prior to your tour. Along the way, a venue might change, and there’s no way to make an adjustment to the paperwork.”

But Barthe suspects his treatment was due to an 18-year-old possession charge, though he was pardoned in 2001. “They hold your head down and ask you questions, like ”˜Why do you have an accent? Are you from France?’ I’m like, ”˜No, no. Quebec. Eastern Canada.’ I said ”˜I’m more than happy to go back home right now.’”

Barthe’s bandmates were later refused entry at the Peace Arch.