Prosecutions and Seizures

Northern Ontario Region

Large cache of weapons and firearms found in a shipment of household effects

Ottawa, Ontario, May 17, 2010 — The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that its officers at the Ottawa Commercial Operations office have uncovered a large cache of prohibited weapons, including firearms, in a personal effects shipment.

“A seizure of this magnitude clearly demonstrates that our officers are vigilant when it comes to ensuring our borders are not used for the trafficking of illegal weapons,” said Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety. “Our Government is committed to preventing cross-border crime and I’d like to congratulate the CBSA on this significant seizure.”

On May 11, 2010, CBSA officers examined the contents of a container of personal household goods. A CBSA Detector Dog, trained to detect firearms, was brought in to assist with the examination. Indicators revealed that firearms may be present and a detailed examination uncovered a number of prohibited weapons in two containers.

Border services officers found and seized over 100 controlled weapons, including firearms, that had been concealed in boxes, inside furniture and within the containers. The prohibited weapons found included nunchucks, concealed knives, butterfly knives, foot stompers, throwing stars and yurikens. Several firearms such as an AP-9 semi-automatic handgun, an A-15 semi-automatic assault rifle, a .380 calibre handgun and a .380 calibre replica western revolver were also seized. The Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit and the Ottawa Police Service Guns and Gangs Unit assisted with the examination and identification of the firearms and weapons.

Robert Frost, a 42-year-old from California, is charged with failing to report goods, making false statements and smuggling under the Customs Act.  He is also charged with violations regarding the importation of controlled weapons under the Criminal Code.

His next court appearance is scheduled for May 18.

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Photos available upon request.

For media information:

Chris Kealey
Communications
Canada Border Services Agency
613-991-5197