A member of the Canadian Armed Forces has been charged with almost 30 firearms and smuggling related offences following an investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The CBSA says in August a Major with the Royal Canadian Air Force who had been posted to the United States for five years returned to Canada.
His household items were shipped through Canadian Forces Base Trenton where a number of hidden undeclared firearms were discovered in the shipment.
On October 19th investigators executed a search warrant at a Petawawa home there they located:
- 7 handguns
- 10 rifles (including assault rifles)
- 2 shotguns
- Approximately 45,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres
- Hundreds of magazines that included AR-15 over-capacity magazines
19 firearms, assorted parts and more than 45,000 rounds of ammunition were seized during a search of a residence associated with a Major with the RCA (Source: CBSA)
Several of the firearms were found to have duplicate serial numbers., additionally some of the seized items and firearms are prohibited here in Canada.
“This successful investigation is another example of collaboration between law enforcement partners, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the United States of America, as we work together to keep our communities safe.” – Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, CBSA Northern Ontario Region
Charges laid include:
- 5x Customs Act s. 159(1) – Smuggle Goods into Canada
- 2x Customs Act s. 153(a) – Making False Statements
- 2x Export and Import Permits Act s. 14/19 – Import Goods without a Permit
- 9x Criminal Code s. 103(1) – Importing a Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized
- 9x Criminal Code s. 104(1) – Unauthorized Importing of a Firearm
- 2x Criminal Code s. 86(2) – Contravention of Transportation Regulations
The accused is slated to appear in court on December 22nd.
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