The Canadian Bazaar
TORONTO: A 43-year-old Toronto man has been arrested for smuggling firearm parts into Canada to manufacture firearms.
His arrest follows after a long investigation by the Canada Border Service Agency after two seizures – in December and January – in Vancouver of prohibited firearm suppressors destined for an address in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
These seizures prompted an investigation by the CBSA’s Criminal Investigations Section in the GTA, which indicated that the importer was in possession of and manufacturing illicit firearms at his home.
When investigators executed search warrants on two GTA residences, they seized ten firearms, including seven loaded; multiple prohibited devices and weapons, including firearm suppressors; 19 overcapacity magazines; a stun gun; over 600 rounds of ammunition; and, narcotics and cash.
The 43-year-old man has been charged him with:
– smuggling prohibited devices,
– importing prohibited devices,
– possessing prohibited firearms and devices,
– possessing restricted firearms,
– possessing ammunition for a dangerous purpose
– firearms trafficking/manufacturing
– possessing proceeds of property obtained by crime – over $5000
The accused continues to be remanded in custody.
Reacting to the huge seizure, Bill Blair, Minister of Public Security and Emergency Preparedness, said, “This seizure highlights the ongoing work of the CBSA to keep our communities safe. The smuggling of firearm parts across our border is a threat to public safety and we remain committed to disrupting these dangerous criminal activities.”
