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CBSA-RCMP joint investigation leads to prohibited firearms seizure and criminal charges

Syed Azam

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are committed to keeping communities safe from prohibited firearms.

In late July 2022, CBSA border services officers, working at the Vancouver International Airport Air Cargo Operation, intercepted a parcel containing a gun barrel attachment (also known as a solvent trap). These can readily be used as silencers, or suppressors, to muffle the sound of a firearm being used and have been deemed prohibited devices. As such, solvent traps cannot be brought into Canada.

A subsequent investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence in London, Ontario, on August 3 by the CBSA and the RCMP, with assistance from the London Police Service. Officers located a large quantity of suspected cannabis and cannabis products, a total of 10 firearms, and the solvent trap, all of which were seized.

As a result, Kevin Brooks of London, Ontario, has been charged by both the RCMP and the CBSA with the following:

  • Possession of Prohibited goods, contrary to Section 155 of the Customs Act;
  • Non-Compliance with the Customs Act, contrary to Section 153(c) of the Customs Act;
  • Importing a prohibited device into Canada, knowing that he was not authorized to do so, contrary to Section 103(1) of the Criminal Code;
  • Possession a prohibited device, knowing that he was not the holder of a license under which he may possess it, contrary to Section 92(2) of the Criminal Code;
  • Possession for the Purpose of Distributing Cannabis, contrary to Section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act.

The joint investigation is ongoing.

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