Individual pleads guilty to importing and possessing firearms

July 31, 2024         Montréal, Quebec                    Canada Border Services Agency

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians by keeping firearms and prohibited weapons out of our communities and conducts criminal investigations into those who commit criminal offences under border legislation.

On May 28, 2024, the Canada Border Services Weapons Smuggling Integrated Enforcement Team (WSIET) executed a search warrant, with the assistance of the Sûreté du Québec’s Tactical Response Team, at an individual’s residence in Saint-Eustache in Quebec, in relation to the importation of two 3D printed lower receivers.

This came as the result of the interception of a package containing two 3D-printed lower receivers which was intercepted at the Vancouver Mail Centre in November 2023. The investigation identified an importer known to the WSIET and an investigation was initiated.

During the operation, several incriminating items were seized, including a restricted loaded pistol and a fire control unit for a restricted firearm, magazines, firearm parts and components, incomplete privately manufactured barrels and ammunition. A 54-year-old man, Éric Lapointe, was arrested and charged the same day.

On July 24, 2024, Mr. Lapointe pled guilty to five counts under the Criminal Code and the Customs Act:

• one count under section 104(1)(b) of the Criminal Code for the importation of two 3D-printed firearm lower receivers;
• one count under section 159 of the Customs Act for the smuggling of two 3D-printed firearm lower receivers;
• one count under section 95(1) of the Criminal Code for possession of a loaded restricted firearm
• two counts under section 92(1) of the Criminal Code for possession without a license of a loaded restricted firearm

Mr. Lapointe received a three-year prison sentence and a 10-year weapons prohibition order was issued under section 109 of the Criminal Code.