Police arrested a 16-year-old man and seized multiple firearms, ammunition and firearm parts from his home in Saskatoon.
The investigation that led to the execution of the search warrant in Saskatoon began in Vancouver when the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) discovered suspicious shipments.
CBSA found a package destined for Saskatoon and shipped from the United States on September 2nd at a postal center in Vancouver. When officers examined it, they found two of his barrels, which are banned in Canada, and two of his 9mm magazines, which were overcapacity. Along with other firearm parts hidden in commonly used construction tools.
Once the shipment was seized, the Vancouver CBSA contacted Regina’s investigative department.
The case was turned over to the Saskatoon Police Department on September 8, and the police’s Guns and Gangs Unit opened an investigation.
Police executed a search warrant for a Saskatoon residence on September 13 and found a loaded, severed .22 caliber rifle and some ammunition. Guns and Gang units seized firearms and ammunition, an 83mm barrel, a 102mm barrel, two 15-round magazines, and bear spray.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with multiple firearms crimes and arrested but conditionally released. The investigation is still ongoing.
“We are taking action to protect Canadians from gun violence. A central part of this takes place at the border where CBSA fights smuggling and stops guns entering Canada. CBSA employees and local law enforcement for taking swift and decisive action to keep guns off the streets and protect Canadians,” Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said in a joint statement. rice field. CBSAMore When saskatoon police Press release on September 27th.
From 2021 to 2022, CBSA confiscated Mendicino said more than 1,200 firearms more than doubled from the previous year, setting a new annual record.
Released by Mendicino statement Since 2016, the government has said it has invested $920 million to “crack down on gun smuggling, support law enforcement, and cooperate with other government mandates.” Of that investment, $312 million went to his CBSA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in an attempt to improve their intelligence and investigative capabilities and prevent the illegal trade in guns.
“CBSA officers and staff are dedicated to detecting and intercepting prohibited firearms and firearm parts, as well as other weapons and dangerous goods, before they enter Canada,” said the CBSA Prairie Region area. Director Brad Wosney said.
“The seizure announced today is a great example of how our officers are working across jurisdictions and with local law enforcement partners to keep Canadians safe.” he added.
according to Statistics CanadaIn 2021, 4 in 10 homicides will be firearm-related. A firearm was recovered in 29% of these homicides, with police deeming nearly half gang-related.
“Saskatoon, like many other communities across the country, has seen an increase in the number of firearms associated with criminal activity. will have the opportunity to remove it.”
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