CBSA officers stop the illegal exportation of gun parts at the Toronto Pearson International Airport

News Release

May 31, 2016               Mississauga, Ontario              Canada Border Services Agency

 

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today the seizure of arms and related material destined for Iraq at the Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA).

On February 1, 2016, CBSA officers working at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls identified a male traveller, the subject of an intelligence lookout, and referred him for secondary examination. During the interview, officers discovered an airline waybill indicating an export of auto parts to Iraq. After investigating further, officers found documentation and photos causing them to suspect gun parts were involved in the export shipment, located at TPIA Air Cargo. Officers at the Rainbow Bridge alerted their CBSA counterparts at TPIA Air Cargo, who retrieved and detained the shipment from a cargo services warehouse.

Once opened, the cargo shipment was found to contain numerous handgun and rifle parts, police badges, badge holders/wallets, and tactical jackets destined for Iraq. It was subsequently determined that the majority of the export shipment was in contravention of the United Nations Iraq Regulations.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) took custody of the items.

 

Quick Facts

• The CBSA assists Global Affairs Canada with the administration of the United Nations Act, the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), the Export and Import Permits Act and associated Regulations. The imposition of trade and economic sanctions against foreign states and non-state actors remains an important instrument for the international community in the enforcement of international norms and laws.
• The CBSA and the RCMP assist Global Affairs Canada by ensuring compliance with the regulations under the United Nations Act and SEMA.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll‑free line at 1-888-502-9060.

 

Quote

“This successful interception reflects effective communication between regions and the dedication of our officers in controlling the exportation of arms and related material.”
-      Goran Vragovic, CBSA Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region

  

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Contacts

CBSA Media Relations
Greater Toronto Area
905-803-2800

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