CBSA makes arrest and lays charges in firearm investigation
News release
October 08, 2026
Mississauga, ON
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has arrested and charged Nasser Gholami, 47, of Brampton, Ontario, with multiple firearm-related offences following an investigation by the CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET).
Border services officers at the CBSA’s commercial operations facility in Mississauga, Ontario, intercepted a parcel originating from the United States on July 23, 2026. Upon examination, border services officers seized two complete firearms suppressors. Further investigation by the CBSA’s OFSET identified Gholami as the suspected recipient.
On September 24, 2026, the OFSET executed a search warrant at Gholami’s residence in Brampton, Ontario, resulting in the seizure of:
- Three non-restricted firearms;
- One prohibited suppressor, which was attached to one of the firearms;
- Digital devices; and
- Ammunition.
Gholami was arrested and charged by the CBSA with:
- One count of smuggling prohibited devices (suppressors), s. 159 (1) Customs Act;
- One count of importing prohibited devices while knowing unauthorized (suppressors), s. 103 (1)(a) Criminal Code;
- One count of possession of a prohibited device knowing he was not the holder of a licence under which he may possess it, s. 92(2) Criminal Code;
- One count of unsafe display of a non-restricted firearm, s. 86(2) Criminal Code, and s. 117(h) of the Firearms Act.
Gholami is set to appear at the Brampton Courthouse on November 5, 2026.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
“This arrest and resulting criminal charges reflect the CBSA's role in upholding the law with integrity and consistency. Those who attempt to smuggle illegal firearm parts into our country will be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”
- Trishann Pascal, Executive Director, Greater Toronto Area Region and National Lead, Combatting Firearms Smuggling, Canada Border Services Agency
Quick facts
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The CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) is a group of criminal investigators, intelligence analysts, and intelligence officers dedicated solely to investigating firearms smuggling throughout the Province of Ontario.
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The CBSA identifies and intercepts contraband through targeting and inspection activities, which result in seizures across the country, 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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Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, 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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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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