ONTARIO- 28 firearms with magazines and ammunition have been seized in the City of Cornwall, leading to numerous firearms trafficking charges being laid by the OPP.
“Illegal firearms continue to pose a serious risk to public safety. These firearms are consistently found to be used by organized crime groups to commit violent crimes such as robberies, carjackings, extortion and homicides. It is imperative that joint forces investigations such as this one continue and that law enforcement in Canada work collaboratively with our US policing partners to curb the flow of illegal firearms across our borders.” – OPP Detective Inspector Lee Fulford, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
The Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit (PWEU), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service conducted a joint forces investigation after information led them to identify an individual allegedly involved in smuggling commodities across the Canadian border from the United States.
On May 22, 2024, the investigative team conducted a vehicle stop under the Customs Act with investigators locating three suitcases that contained 26 illegal handguns and two illegal assault-style rifles according to police. Additionally, police seized 37 boxes of ammunition, 20 prohibited overcapacity magazines, 74 magazines, one Glock upper receiver and a cell phone.
38-year-old Steven Johnson of Akwesasne was arrested and charged with 126 offences contrary to the Criminal Code:
- Possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking – 28 counts
- Weapons trafficking – 28 counts
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized – 28 counts
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – 28 counts
- Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition – five counts
- Contravention of transportation regulations – four counts
- Unauthorized possession of a weapon – one count
- Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle – four counts
The accused was held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Cornwall on a later date.
“CBSA officers are always on the lookout for undeclared and prohibited firearms. This significant seizure demonstrates our joint commitment to securing the border and keeping harmful goods out of Canada. We will continue to work with law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal activity and keep our communities safe.” – Eric Lapierre, Regional Director General, Northern Ontario Region, Canada Border Services Agency
