Six prohibited rifles, 53 restricted pistols and 110 high capacity magazines distributed in three large bags. Cornwall RCMP announced a major seizure of illegal firearms on Thursday morning. A Laval resident and a Montrealer were arrested in connection with this operation.
Weapons found inside a vehicle intercepted by the RCMP included “a large number of prohibited and restricted firearms as well as large capacity magazines,” law enforcement officials said in a statement. Everything was in three large bags first transported by boat.
Inti Falero-Delgado, a 25-year-old man from Laval, and Vladimir Souffrant, a 49-year-old Montrealer, were arrested during this major seizure.
These weapons were intended for criminal networks and illicit firearms trafficking groups, police believe.
The suspects were charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized, and possession of weapons for the purpose of trafficking. They are also the subject of additional charges under the Criminal Code and the Customs Act.
Released on conditions
Mr. Falero-Delgado appeared in bail court and was released on certain conditions, including a $ 10,000 bond and an electronic monitoring device, it was added. Vladimir Souffrant also appeared in bail court and was released on certain conditions, including a $ 2,000 bond. Their return to court is scheduled for January 11.
“Our integrated RCMP Border Integrity Team in Cornwall works with national and international partners to protect Canadians from border crime on both land and sea routes,” said Chief Superintendent John Baranyi, RCMP O Division Criminal Investigation Support Officer.
He highlighted the collaboration of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (SPMA) supported by the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) and the Detachment de Salaberry-de-Valleyfield of the RCMP and the National Firearms Act Support Team (ENSALA).
Those with information on cross-border crime can contact the Cornwall RCMP Detachment at 613 937-2800. An anonymous report can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.