The interception of a silencer in a package at Toronto’s Pearson Airport last November ultimately led to the largest weapons seizure carried out in recent years in Quebec by the criminal section of the Border Services Agency. Canada (CBSA).
The federal agency invited the media to its Montreal offices on Wednesday morning to present the results of its search carried out at the beginning of February in a residence in Gatineau, namely nearly a hundred weapons of all kinds. .
On a very large table, there were many types of weapons: pistols, silencers, long guns, and more. While some would have required two hands to handle, others could have easily been concealed in a jeans pocket.
“It is certain that for us, in criminal investigations for the Quebec region, this is an extremely important seizure. It’s the most important in recent years,” confirmed the CBSA’s deputy director of criminal investigations for Quebec, Tony Dos Santos.
The official report provided by the CBSA shows 61 firearms, 13 prohibited weapons, 22 air guns, six silencers and six high-capacity magazines. Ammunition was also seized, but it was found separately from the weapons.
Seeing this wide array of rifles, one question was on everyone’s lips: what were all these weapons doing in this residence? However, you will have to wait a little longer to get the answer.
A 62-year-old man was arrested following this search, but he was released during the investigation, since the analysis of the goods continues. Charges will be recommended at the conclusion of the investigation.
For the moment, the CBSA cannot say what the man intended to do with all these weapons at home. All options remain under study, including the dealer’s thesis and that of the collector.
“We still have to put the pieces of the puzzle together, so unfortunately, we cannot say if he is a collector, if he is an importer, if he had other intentions as well,” mentioned Mr. Dos Santos.
It all starts with a silencer
The CBSA began its investigation into this matter when it intercepted the silencer in a package at the Toronto airport’s commercial operations last November.
Research revealed that the importer of this silencer was linked to other customs seizures that had taken place in the past for prohibited weapons. The CBSA therefore knew this individual, but its agents had never visited his home before February 6.
And they couldn’t help but be surprised by what they found. “I must admit that a significant quantity like that was a surprise on the part of the investigators,” admitted Mr. Dos Santos.
The origin of the weapons and how they entered Canada are also among the elements that are being studied by investigators. However, we know that the silencer that was intercepted in Toronto came from China and that several of the weapons seized are marketed in the United States. Not all the weapons necessarily crossed the border, however, noted Mr. Dos Santos, who also raised the fact that it is possible that some of them were imported legally.
“Everything indicates that the weapons were imported at some point, so the investigation will say: was this done legally? Illegal? Are the recordings good? In terms of the investigation, it will still be quite long, because we have to sort through these weapons,” he said.
The federal agency was unable to estimate the value that the seized weapons might have had on the resale market.
The freed man?
Asked whether it is normal for a man from whom around a hundred weapons were seized to be released during the continuation of the investigation – as is the case in this case – Mr. Dos Santos said that this is part of the procedures.
“The gentleman was arrested, he had a judicial interview by our CBSA investigators and, subsequently, was released for the continuation of the investigation,” he explained, specifying that certain Arrangements have been made to ensure the man does not pose a danger to the public during this time.
The exact charges the man could face will have to be determined as the investigation continues, but Mr. Dos Santos cited offenses under the Customs Act and the Criminal Code.
Moving forward, the CBSA’s objective will be to clarify where the weapons came from and what they were intended for.