CBSA Seizure Leads To Arrest By Saskatoon Police Service

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Saskatoon Police Service fight crime by cracking down on firearms-related offences. Today, the CBSA and Saskatoon Police Service announced that they have seized multiple firearms and weapons in a home in Saskatoon, leading to the arrest of a 16-year-old youth.

On September 2, 2022, border services officers in the Vancouver International Mail Centre intercepted a suspicious package destined to an address in Saskatoon. Officers examined the package and discovered two gun barrels and two overcapacity 9mm magazines prohibited in Canada under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act. The items were packaged as a commonly used construction tool along with other firearm parts, shipped from the United States. Officers seized the shipment and contacted CBSA Investigations in Regina.

On September 8, 2022, CBSA Investigations referred the case to the Saskatoon Police Service where the Guns and Gangs Unit continued the investigation. On September 13, 2022, a search warrant was authorized and executed at 2500 Block Albert Avenue by members of the Guns and Gangs Unit and NWEST. During the execution of the warrant, a loaded, sawed-off .22 calibre rifle was located as well as ammunition.

As a result of the seizure and search warrant, Guns and Gangs has seized the following items;

  • 83mm barrel
  • 102mm barrel
  • 2 15-round capacity magazines
  • Bear spray
  • .22 calibre sawed-off rifle
  • Ammunition

A 16-year-old male was arrested on scene and charged with:

  • Careless use or storage of a firearm, Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, Section 95(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Carrying concealed weapon, Section 90(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
  • Importing a prohibited device to Canada 104(1)(a) x 3, Section 104(1) of the Criminal Code

The accused was released on conditions and the investigation is ongoing.

Quotes

“We’re taking action to keep Canadians safe from gun violence. A central part of this takes place at our borders, where the CBSA fights smuggling and stops guns from coming into Canada. I want to thank CBSA employees and local law enforcement agencies for their quick and decisive work to keep guns off our streets and protect Canadians.”

The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety

“Saskatoon, like many other communities across the country, has seen an increase in the number of firearms tied to criminal activity. Partnerships with agencies like the CBSA give police a greater opportunity to be proactive in removing these firearms from the community.”

Randy Huisman, Deputy Chief , Saskatoon Police Service

“CBSA officers and staff are committed to detecting and intercepting prohibited firearms and firearm parts, as well as other weapons and dangerous goods, before they enter Canada. The seizure announced today is a great example of how our officers work together across jurisdictions and with local law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe.”

Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region

Quick Facts

  • Smuggling firearms and prohibited weapons and other Customs Act contraventions may lead to prosecution in a court of law.
  • For more information on Canada’s firearms laws, refer to Import and export a firearm or weapon into Canada.
  • The CBSA screens goods, including international mail and courier items, coming into Canada and examines more closely those that may pose a threat to the safety of Canadians.
  • For the latest seizure statistics, visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
  • If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
(Occurrence Number: 22-107370)