CBSA seizes prohibited “ghost gun” in Cornwall and lays criminal charges against U.S. traveller
News release
February 27, 2024
Cornwall, Ontario
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by keeping prohibited and undeclared firearms out of our communities.
Today, the Agency announced that it has laid charges following a firearm seizure in Ontario.
On February 6, 2024, Kyle Thomas, a U.S. resident, arrived at the Cornwall port of entry seeking entry to Canada. When asked about firearms by a border services officer, Thomas answered that there were no firearms in the vehicle.
Thomas was referred for a secondary examination. While examining the vehicle, CBSA officers discovered and seized a prohibited handgun.
The handgun has no serial number, making it an untraceable “ghost gun”.
Thomas was arrested and charged by the CBSA with:
- Failing to report imported goods, contrary to Section 12(1) of the Customs Act
- Making false statements, contrary to Section 153(a) of the Customs Act
- Smuggling, contrary to Section 159 of the Customs Act
- Transporting a handgun in a careless manner, contrary to Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
- Possessing a firearm without a licence or registration certificate, contrary to Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code
- Importing a prohibited firearm without authorization, contrary to Section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
The accused remains in custody. He is next scheduled to appear in court in Cornwall on February 29, 2024.
Quotes
“‘Ghost guns’ pose a serious risk for many reasons, including how difficult they are to trace when used by criminals. Border services officers are on alert to keep smuggled and prohibited firearms from reaching and harming our communities.”
– Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency Northern Ontario Region
Quick facts
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It is a traveller’s responsibility to learn about the rules to import a firearm or weapon into Canada. Firearms that are not properly declared, and the vehicles used to carry them, may be seized by the CBSA.
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Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law. A court conviction can result in fines, jail time, and impact a foreign national’s ability to return to Canada in the future.
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Learn more about weapons that are prohibited in Canada.
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For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
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If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
Contacts
Media Relations: media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca / 1-877-761-5945 or 613-957-6500
Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
X: @CBSANOR
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