CBSA investigation leads to seizure of a prohibited firearm, weapons and suspected narcotics

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

Prohibited firearm (Taser), weapons (nunchakus and a suspected improvised weapon made of a bike chain) and suspected narcotics seized as a result of an August 31, 2022 search warrant in Belleville, Ontario.
Prohibited firearm (Taser), weapons (nunchakus and a suspected improvised weapon made of a bike chain) and suspected narcotics seized as a result of an August 31, 2022 search warrant in Belleville, Ontario.

September 22, 2022
Belleville, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by keeping prohibited firearms, weapons and narcotics out of our communities.

The Agency announced today that an arrest has been made for firearms, weapons and smuggling offences as part of an investigation by the CBSA Northern Ontario Region Intelligence and Enforcement Operations Division.

The investigation began in early August 2022 when border services officers working at the Vancouver International Mail Centre intercepted a package containing a Taser, destined for an address in Belleville, Ontario. Tasers meet the definition of a firearm under the Criminal Code and are prohibited in Canada.

On August 31, CBSA investigators, with the assistance of the Belleville Police Service, executed a search warrant at a residence in Belleville, Ontario. During the search of the residence, officers located two prohibited weapons, a firearm and suspected fentanyl, all of which were seized.

As a result, Todd PLEWS, of Belleville, Ontario, has been charged by the CBSA with the following:

  • Smuggling, contrary to Section 159(1) of the Customs Act
  • Possession of illegally imported goods, contrary to Section 155 of the Customs Act
  • Importing a prohibited firearm into Canada, contrary to Section 103(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm, contrary to Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, contrary to Section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of a firearm, contrary to an Order not to do so and Section 117.01 of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of a weapon, contrary to an Order not to do so and Section 117.01 of the Criminal Code
  • Breach of a probation Order, contrary to Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Keeping an animal, contrary to an Order not to do so and Section 447.1 of the Criminal Code

The accused remains in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

Quotes

"We’re taking action to keep prohibited firearms, weapons and narcotics out of Canada. I want to thank the CBSA and law enforcement partners who work diligently to disrupt criminal activity and protect our communities."

— The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

"CBSA employees are committed to detecting and intercepting prohibited firearms, weapons and dangerous goods before they enter Canada. This seizure is a great example of how our officers work closely with local law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe."

— Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region

Quick facts

  • Smuggling firearms and prohibited weapons and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.

  • The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.

  • For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

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

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Media Line: 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500

Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Twitter: @CBSANOR
Facebook: CanBorder
Instagram: CanBorder
YouTube: CanBorder

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