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CBSA investigation leads to firearm seizures and conspiracy charges in Essex County, Ontario

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has arrested an individual from the community of Cottam, Ontario and charged him with multiple firearm-related offences following an investigation led by the CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET).

In collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Emergency Response Team, OFSET executed multiple search warrants in Essex County on July 15, 2026, resulting in the seizure of 53 firearms. This seizure included the following prohibited/restricted items: 

  • six unlawfully possessed handguns;
  • two unregistered sub-machine guns;
  • 116 cartridge magazines, 39 of which were over capacity; and
  • one auto-sear (a device intended to convert a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic firearm).

The individual was arrested and charged by the CBSA with:

  • One count of Smuggling Controlled Goods, s.159(1)/160 Customs Act
  • One count of Import Goods Without a Permit, s.14/19 Export and Import Permits Act
  • One count of Manufacture a  Prohibited Firearm, s.99(1) Criminal Code
  • One count of Conspiracy to Manufacture a Firearm, s.465(1)(c)/99(1) Criminal Code
  • One count of Knowingly Possess a Prohibited Device, s. 92(2) Criminal Code
  • One count of Knowingly Possess a Prohibited Firearm, s. 92(1) Criminal Code
  • One count of Storage of a Non-Restricted Firearm Contrary to Regulations, s. 86(2) Criminal Code
  • One count of Storage of a Restricted Firearm Contrary to Regulations, s. 86(2) Criminal Code
  • One count of Storage of a Prohibited Firearm Contrary to Regulations, s. 86(2) Criminal Code
  • One count of Knowingly Possess a Prohibited Firearm, s. 92(2) Criminal Code

Please visit this link for more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2026/09/cbsa-investigation-leads-to-firearm-seizures-and-conspiracy-charges-in-essex-county-ontario.html 

Topic(s)

Security and Trade Facilitation Programs
International Trade and Border Management
CBSA Other

Information source

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Disclaimer

The foregoing information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, professional advice or a substitute for conducting your own thorough research and review. Before making any decisions or taking any action based on the information provided, you should conduct your own independent investigation and/or seek professional advice from a qualified expert in the relevant field. The CSCB disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided.