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Recent CBSA Enforcement Actions in the News

Individual arrested for charges related to importing prohibited weapons

Working together, the CBSA and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)  seized a suspicious package containing the following prohibited items:

  • Brass knuckles
  • Two automatic opening knives
  • A brass knuckle knife
  • A centrifugal opening knife with a thumb stud
  • A conducted energy weapon
  • Three butterfly knives

A man from Petrolia, Ontario is being charged with the following, under the Criminal Code and the Customs Act:

  • Attempt to possess a prohibited weapon – seven counts
  • Possession of a prohibited weapon – two counts
  • Import a prohibited weapon knowing it’s unauthorized – seven counts
  • Unauthorized importation of a prohibited weapon – seven counts
  • Smuggling prohibited goods into Canada

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2025/03/individual-arrested-for-charges-related-to-importing-prohibited-weapons.html

A CBSA investigation leads to criminal charges for importation and possession of prohibited weapons and files

The CBSA began their investigation into a Quebec man back in August 2023 when he attempted to import a prohibited device through the International Mail Processing Centre in Vancouver

In March 2025 he was charged with:

  • smuggling a prohibited device
  • possession of a restricted firearm
  • possession of a prohibited device
  • possession of counterfeit money
  • possession of computer data regarding firearms that could be used with a 3D printer for manufacturing purposes.

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2025/04/a-cbsa-investigation-leads-to-criminal-charges-for-importation-and-possession-of-prohibited-weapons-and-files.html

CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seize 148 kg of methamphetamine hidden in suitcases

On six occasions in January and February 2025, CBSA in Vancouver seized a combined 148.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, representing an estimated street value of $500,000. In all instances, the narcotics were concealed in passengers’ suitcases and bound for export for Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2025/03/cbsa-officers-at-vancouver-international-airport-seize-148-kg-of-methamphetamine-hidden-in-suitcases.html

CBSA immigration investigation leads to 20-month conditional sentence and 50K fine for construction manager

A Winnipeg man has pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized employment of foreign nationals contrary to Section 124 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Ahluwalia was sentenced to 20-months house arrest and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.

CBSA's investigation showed that he lured foreign nationals to Canada to work without authorization and underpaid workers who had valid work permits. 

Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2025/04/cbsa-immigration-investigation-leads-to-20-month-conditional-sentence-and-50k-fine-for-construction-manager.html

 

Topic(s)

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Security and Trade Facilitation Programs
International Trade and Border Management

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.