CBSA investigation leads to firearm and forgery-related charges for a resident of Markham, Ontario
News release
June 26, 2025
Mississauga, ON
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that an arrest was made for multiple firearm and forgery-related offences following an investigation led by the Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET). The OFSET is comprised of CBSA Investigators, Intelligence Analysts, and Intelligence Officers dedicated to investigating firearms smuggling throughout the province.
In the Spring of 2025, Border Services Officers at the CBSA’s International Mail Processing Centres in Montreal, Quebec and Mississauga, Ontario intercepted and seized a number of parcels imported from the United States, destined to an address in Markham, Ontario. The parcels contained a variety of firearms parts as well as personal identification documents and licenses, at least one of which appeared to be fraudulent.
On June 17, 2025, CBSA Investigators arrested Wei Xu (42) of Markham, Ontario and charged him with Customs Act offences, which included smuggling and evading compliance, and the Criminal Code offence of using a forged document.
A subsequent search of Xu’s vehicle revealed other firearms and prohibited devices, including a SKS rifle, an over capacity cartridge magazine loaded with ammunition, other cartridge magazines, and a box of ammunition. CBSA Investigators later executed a search warrant at Xu’s residence in Markham where an airsoft gun, additional prohibited firearms, and ammunition were discovered and seized—including a handgun and two fire control units.
In total, Xu was charged with 10 offences contrary to the Customs Act and the Criminal Code:
- 1 count of evading compliance with the Customs Act, s. 153(c) Customs Act
- 1 count of smuggling, s. 159(1) Customs Act
- 2 counts of using a forged document, s. 368(1)(a) & 368(1)(b) Criminal Code
- 3 counts of possession of non-restricted, prohibited and restricted firearms knowing not a holder of a licence, s. 92(1) of the Criminal Code
- 1 count of possession of a prohibited device knowing not a holder of a licence, s. 92(2) of the Criminal Code
- 1 count of occupying a motor vehicle knowing a firearm was in vehicle, s. 94 Criminal Code
- 1 count of manufacturing a prohibited firearm, s. 99 Criminal Code
These charges have not yet been tested in court.
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Quotes
“The CBSA’s continued success in disrupting the flow of illegal firearms and stopping crime before it reaches our streets speaks to the impact of their enforcement work. I commend the CBSA’s Officers and Investigators for their vigilance and steadfast commitment to public safety.”
- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
“This successful operation is a testament to the skill and persistence of our Border Services Officers and Criminal Investigations team. Their thorough work continues to help prevent illegal firearms from threatening the safety of our communities.”
- Abeid Morgan, Director of CBSA’s OFSET
Quick facts
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Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe. Information on the border plan is available at The Government of Canada’s Border Plan: significant investments to strengthen border security and our immigration system.
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The CBSA conducts targeting and inspection activities to identify and intercept contraband. These activities consistently result in numerous seizures across the country and subsequent investigations and charges under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code.
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CBSA Investigators have the ability to obtain search warrants and other judicial authorizations to search and seize evidence of criminal offences under the Customs Act and other border-related legislation.
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For the latest seizure statistics, visit the Canada Border Services Agency seizures page.
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If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, including firearms smuggling, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060, or visit us online.
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945
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