The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have partnered on an investigation involving firearms and prohibited devices.
On May 3, 2023, an individual from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) was arrested as part of the joint investigation by the RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC) in St. John's and the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section in the Atlantic Region. Canadian Postal Inspectors, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) and other RCMP Policing Units provided assistance.
Between April 11 and April 20, 2023, eight firearms suppressors destined for the individual's home in Conception Bay South were intercepted and seized by the CBSA's Greater Toronto Area Commercial Operations District. These seizures resulted in the engagement of RCMP NL FSOC and a joint investigation that led to the individual's arrest on the evening of May 3, 2023.
Following the arrest, RCMP officers obtained a warrant to search the home. Shortly after midnight on May 4, the search warrant, authorized under the Criminal Code of Canada, was executed by the RCMP, with CBSA assistance. The search resulted in the seizure of 25 firearms.
The individual was released from custody. The investigation is ongoing and charges are expected to be laid by both the RCMP and the CBSA.
The RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime and cyber crime throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This investigation demonstrates the collaboration between federal and provincial agencies and their commitment to protecting our communities.
The CBSA's Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for investigating cases of alleged contravention of the Customs Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act across Canada, including in all four Atlantic provinces. When the CBSA becomes aware of situations of potential violation of these acts, it investigates and takes the appropriate action as mandated by Canadian law. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the CBSA through the CBSA Border Watch Line.
