CBSA seizes nearly 1,400 prohibited weapons and firearms, keeping our communities safe

From: Canada Border Services Agency

News release

February 27, 2023                     Chilliwack, British Columbia                     Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to keeping prohibited firearms and weapons out of our communities and ensuring that those who break our laws are held accountable.

In January 2023, border services officers at CBSA Commercial Operations, Vancouver International Airport District, intercepted several parcels containing large quantities of prohibited weapons. The parcels, destined for addresses in Chilliwack, British Columbia, were imported from China using a false declaration. This case was referred to the CBSA’s Pacific Region Criminal Investigations team.

On January 25, CBSA investigators arrested a Chilliwack resident for suspected offences under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code. A number of prohibited weapons and firearms were also found during the arrest. On January 26, CBSA investigators executed a search warrant on a residence in Chilliwack, where numerous additional prohibited weapons were seized.

In total, over 1,350 prohibited weapons and 13 prohibited firearms were seized including:

  • 360 stun guns
  • 422 prohibited knives
  • 171 stun batons
  • 7 spring-loaded batons
  • 390 brass knuckles
  • 13 conducted energy weapons (Tasers – classified as prohibited firearms).

The CBSA is reviewing all evidence and charges are pending.

Additional multimedia

Quotes

“We’re taking action at Canada’s borders to keep our communities safe – seizing prohibited weapons and ensuring criminals are held accountable. I want to thank the CBSA for their quick and decisive response.”

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

“The CBSA is committed to preventing the smuggling of prohibited firearms and weapons into Canada. I want to thank our officers and investigators for their hard work and dedication to protecting our communities.”

– Mark Zelenika, A/Regional Director General, CBSA Pacific Region

Quick facts

  • From January 1 to December 31, 2022, the CBSA’s Pacific Region seized a total of 4,049 prohibited weapons.

  • Under s.84(1) of the Criminal Code, a prohibited weapon means:

    (a) a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand  pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife, or

    (b) any weapon, other than a firearm, that is prescribed to be a prohibited weapon

  • For the latest prohibited weapons and firearms enforcement statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.

  • A list of restricted and prohibited goods, including firearms, can be found here.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945

Twitter @CanBorderPAC.

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