Saskatoon teen charged in cross-border weapons smuggling investigation
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) have charged a 16-year-old in connection with an alleged weapons smuggling investigation.
The investigation began on Sept. 2 after CBSA were alerted to a “suspicious" package at the Vancouver International Mail Centre that was being sent 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.,” SPS said in a news release.
The items were packaged as a commonly-used construction tool and were shipped from the U.S., according to police
On Sept. 8 CBSA referred the case to the SPS and the guns and gangs unit began to investigate. A search warrant was issued on Sept. 13 for a home in the 2500-block of Albert Avenue.
SPS said a loaded, sawed-off .22 calibre rifle and ammunition was found a the home.
Other items were seized, including a 83mm barrel, a 102mm barrel, two 15-round capacity magazines and ammunition. Bear spray was also seized, SPS said.
Police arrested a 16-year-old boy at the scene. He is facing gun-related charges including possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and importing a prohibited device to Canada.
SPS deputy chief Randy Huisman said Saskatoon was not immune to criminal activity like weapons smuggling.
“Saskatoon, like many other communities across the country, has seen an increase in the number of firearms tied to criminal activity. Partnerships with agencies like the CBSA give police a greater opportunity to be proactive in removing these firearms from the community," Huisman said in the new release.
“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,” Brad Wozny, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region said.
“The seizure announced today is a great example of how our officers work together across jurisdictions and with local law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe.”
The teen has been released on conditions. SPS said the investigation is ongoing.
According to CBSA statistics, there were over 50,000 prohibited firearms seized between 2020 and 2021, and over 70,000 between 2021 and 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.