CBSA investigation into alleged smuggling leads to 27 charges
News release
March 2, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario
A Kawartha Lakes resident is facing charges following the interception of prohibited firearm suppressors.
Today, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that Lawrence Brazeau, from Kawartha Lakes, has been charged with weapons-related offences following the completion of an alleged smuggling investigation.
On January 15, 2021, CBSA officers from the Vancouver International Mail Centre examined a package declared as a fuel filter. The package contained three firearm suppressors and the matter was referred to the CBSA’s Northern Ontario Region Criminal Investigation Division.
On February 17, 2021, with the support of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, and the OPP Community Street Crime Unit, the CBSA executed a search warrant at the residence in the Kawartha Lakes.
The search resulted in the seizure of the following: one restricted handgun, one replica handgun, one shot gun, two rifles, one Taser, one stun gun-flashlight, one set of brass knuckles, one butterfly knife, two switchblades, three nunchakus, twenty-one throwing stars and one blow gun.
The CBSA has charged Brazeau with 27 charges under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Customs Act:
- s. 88 Criminal Code – possession of weapons for dangerous purposes X 3;
- s. 91(2) Criminal Code - unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon X 11;
- s. 94(1) Criminal Code - unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle X 5;
- s. 91(1) Criminal Code - unauthorized possession of a firearm x 1;
- s. 86(2) Criminal Code - unsafe storage X 1;
- s. 104(1) Criminal Code - unauthorized importation of prohibited weapon X 3;
- s. 159(1) Customs Act - smuggling X 3
The first court appearance at the Ontario Court of Justice is on March 17, 2021.
This seizure and arrest attest to the ongoing commitment and cooperation between law enforcement partners to keep Canadian communities safe.
Quotes
“This demonstrates the hard work and diligence of CBSA border services officers and CBSA investigators to keep firearms and prohibited devices out of Canada. This seizure is a great example of how our close partnership with the OPP prevents illegal activity and protects our communities.”
- Stephanie Chenier Acting Regional Director General, CBSA
Quick facts
-
CBSA investigators play a key role in protecting the safety and security of Canadians across the country.
-
Travellers, mail, courier, and commercial shipments continue to be subject to the Customs Act and may undergo further examination by the CBSA.
-
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
-
The Government of Canada recently proposed legislation that aims to keep Canada safer from gun violence. It would confirm a prohibition on assault-style firearms and replicas and would add new importation requirements for firearms. It would tighten restrictions and laws around gun ownership, and would create new offences and increase penalties for smuggling and trafficking.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations, Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Media Line: 613-957-6500 or 1-877-761-5945
P/C Carrie Lanning #8652
Media Relations Officer
City of Kawartha Lakes OPP
Carrie.Lanning@opp.ca
705-324-6741
Page details
- Date modified: