CBSA investigation leads to firearm parts smuggling bust

News release

May 27, 2021                         Mississauga, Ontario            Canada Border Services Agency

Even as it enforces border measures to limit the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) remains committed to keeping Canada safe from the threat posed by illegal firearms.

Today, following an extensive investigation, the CBSA announced the arrest of a Toronto resident allegedly engaged in smuggling firearm parts into Canada to manufacture firearms.

In December 2020 and January 2021, border services officers working at the Vancouver International Mail Centre made two seizures of prohibited firearm suppressors destined for an address in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). These seizures prompted an investigation by the CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section in the GTA Region, which indicated that the importer was in possession of, and was manufacturing, illicit firearms in his home.     

On April 26, CBSA criminal investigators executed search warrants on two GTA residences, and seized: ten firearms (seven of which were loaded); multiple prohibited devices and weapons, including firearm suppressors; 19 overcapacity magazines; a stun gun; over 600 rounds of ammunition; and, narcotics and cash. A 43-year-old male was arrested by CBSA criminal investigators and charged with the following offences:

·         2 x s.159 (1) Customs Act – Smuggling prohibited devices

·         2 x s.104(1)(a) Criminal Code (CC) – Importing prohibited devices

·         4 x s. 91(1)  – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Firearm

·         4 x s. 91(1)  – Unauthorized Possession of Restricted Firearm

·         4 x s. 92(1)  – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Firearm knowing it is unauthorized

·         4 x s. 92(1) – Unauthorized Possession of Restricted Firearm knowing it is unauthorized

·         3 x s. 95(1) – Loaded Prohibited Firearm with Readily Accessible Ammunition

·         4 x s. 95(1) – Loaded Restricted Firearm with Readily Accessible Ammunition

·         1 x s. 91(2) – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Devices (2 suppressors)

·         1 x s. 91(2) – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Devices (19 overcapacity magazines)

·         1 x s. 91(2) – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon (1 stun gun)

·         1 x s. 92(2)  –  Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Devices, knowing it is unauthorized (2 suppressors)

·         1 x s. 92(2) – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Devices, knowing it is unauthorized (19 overcapacity magazines)

·         1 x s. 92(2) – Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Devices, knowing it is unauthorized (1 stun gun)

·         1 x s. 88(1) – Possession of ammunition for a dangerous purpose

·         1 x s. 99(1) – Firearms Trafficking/Manufacturing (3 Prohibited Firearms and 4 Restricted Firearms)

·         8 x s. 86(1) – Careless Storage of Firearms

·         1 x s. 354 (1)(a) – Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime – Over $5000

·         1 x s. 4(1) CDSA – Possession of a Schedule I Substance (Methamphetamine)

On May 19, the accused participated in his most recent virtual appearance at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse, and continues to be remanded in custody.

Additional multimedia

Quotes

"This seizure highlights the ongoing work of the CBSA to keep our communities safe. The smuggling of firearm parts across our border is a threat to public safety and we remain committed to disrupting these dangerous criminal activities."

-       The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness

“This extensive and successful investigation demonstrates the dedication of our Criminal Investigations team, as well as our border services officers. The CBSA is committed to protecting our borders and ensuring the security of Canadians by stopping unlawful importation of firearms and other prohibited items that pose a danger to our communities.”

-       Lisa Janes, CBSA Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region.

Quick facts

  • Firearms and weapons are high-risk commodities and their interdiction is a CBSA enforcement priority.

  • The CBSA works with police agencies to prevent firearms smuggling that endangers the safety of Canadian communities and generates profits for organized crime, and to ensure that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted.

  • If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Toll free Line at 1-888-502-9060.

Associated links

Contacts

CBSA Media Relations
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Media Line:       1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500
Website:            www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Twitter:              @CanBorderGTA
Facebook:       CanBorder
Instagram:         CanBorder
YouTube:        CanBorder

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