YARMOUTH, NS, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has laid 16 charges against a Yarmouth, Nova Scotia (NS) resident following an investigation led by the CBSA's Criminal Investigations Section in Halifax, NS.

CBSA officers at the International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario intercepted a prohibited firearm suppressor destined for the Yarmouth, NS residence of Ian Pierre Surette, 25. The seizure was referred to the CBSA's Criminal Investigations Section in Halifax for further investigation.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Surette's residence on February 25, 2026, with assistance from CBSA intelligence officers, border services officers and the Yarmouth Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) General Investigation Section.

During the search of the residence, officers located and seized multiple unsecured firearms, as well as a homemade suppressor and many rounds of ammunition. Surette was arrested for smuggling and released with conditions to not possess firearms, prohibited weapons or ammunition.

In total, CBSA officers seized:

• thirteen long guns;
• four shotguns;
• two hand guns;
• three Possession and Acquisition License cards;
• one cellphone;
• firearm ammunition;
• seventeen firearms magazines;
• one prohibited knife;
• one homemade firearm suppressor; and
• two firearm barrels.

The RCMP's National Weapons Enforcement Support Team provided expert analysis on the firearms and devices that were seized.

On July 23, 2026, the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section laid the following charges against Surette under the Customs Act and Criminal Code:

• Customs Act – S. 159(1) – Smuggling (one count)
• Criminal Code – S. 86(1) – Careless Use – Firearm (three counts)
• Criminal Code – S. 86(2) – Unsafe Storage – Firearm (three counts)
• Criminal Code – S. 91(1) – Possession Prohibited Firearm (two counts)
• Criminal Code – S. 91(2) – Possession Prohibited Device (one count)
• Criminal Code – S. 92(1) – Possession Prohibited Firearm While Knowing (two counts)
• Criminal Code – S. 92(2) – Possession Prohibited Device While Knowing (one count)
• Criminal Code – S. 95(1) – Possession Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition (one count)
• Criminal Code – S. 103(1)(a) – Importation Prohibited Device (one count)
• Criminal Code – S. 104(1)(a) – Importation Prohibited Device while Knowing (one count)

Surette is scheduled to appear in Yarmouth Provincial Court on October 26, 2026.

Quotes

"Smuggling firearms into Canada is a serious criminal offense. This seizure and investigation have kept prohibited firearms and devices off our streets, and is a direct result of the diligent work of CBSA officers and law enforcement partners. I would like to thank them for their tireless efforts to keep Canadians safe."

— The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

"CBSA officers are Canada's first line of defence against the illegal smuggling of prohibited firearms, weapons and devices into Canada. Working with partners, they are safeguarding our borders and our communities."

— Dominic Mallette, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Atlantic Region

Quick facts

• Smuggling and other Customs Act and Criminal Code contraventions may lead to arrest, criminal charges and prosecution in a court of law.
• For the latest enforcement statistics visit Canada Border Services Agency seizures.
• View a list of restricted and prohibited goods, including firearms. 
• Under the Border Plan, Canada is investing $1.3 billion to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system, all while keeping Canadians safe.
• If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the CBSA Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060, or online.

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SOURCE Canada Border Services Agency