CBSA seizes large quantity of firearms and prohibited weapons during a search in Gatineau

February 28, 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 February 6, 2024, Canada Border Services Agency investigators from the Weapons Smuggling Integrated Enforcement Team (WSIET), assisted by the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau, executed a search warrant in a residence located in the Versant District in Gatineau. At the site they found, among other things:

·         61 firearms

·         13 prohibited weapons;

·         22 air guns;

·         12 prohibited devices: 6 silencers and 6 high-capacity magazines;

·         Ammunition;

·         Shipping documents and packaging for silencers; and

·         5 electronic devices.

A 62 year old man was arrested and released while the investigation and analysis of the seized goods continues. Charges will be recommended to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) upon completion of the investigation.

This investigation was initiated in November 2023 following the Canada Border Services Agency’s interception of a silencer in a courier package during commercial operations at Toronto Pearson Airport. Research has identified the importer as a Gatineau resident related to previous customs seizures for prohibited weapons.