SASKATOON - The Canada Border Services Agency and Saskatoon Police Service have seized multiple firearms and weapons from a home in Saskatoon and arrested a 16-year-old youth.
Saskatoon Police became involved in the investigation on Sept. 8 after the CBSA notified them. The Saskatoon Police Guns and Gangs Unit continued the investigation.
“Saskatoon, like many other communities across the country, has seen an increase in the number of firearms tied to criminal activity,” said Randy Huisman, Deputy Chief, SPS.
“Partnerships with agencies like the CBSA give police a greater opportunity to be proactive in removing these firearms from the community.”
On Sept. 13, a search warrant was executed at 2500 Block Albert Avenue in Saskatoon by members of the Guns and Gangs Unit and NWEST.
As a result of the search, Guns and Gangs has seized an 83 and an 102 mm barrel, two 15-round capacity magazines, bear spray, a sawed off .22 calibre rifle, and ammunition.
On Sep. 2, border services officers in the Vancouver International Mail Centre had 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.
“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,” said Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region.
The youth was charged with careless use or storage of a firearm, possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and three counts of importing a prohibited device to Canada.
Police say the youth was released on conditions and their investigation continues. He will appear in Saskatoon Provincial Court at a later date.
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.
Marco Mendicino, federal Minister of Public Safety, said at the borders, CBSA fights smuggling and stops guns from coming into Canada.
“We’re taking action to keep Canadians safe from gun violence.”
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060.
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