56 prohibited firearms seized at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward on Nov. 1, 2021. (Photo courtesy of CBSA)56 prohibited firearms seized at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward on Nov. 1, 2021. (Photo courtesy of CBSA)
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Over 50 firearms, 100 rounds of ammunition seized at Blue Water Bridge

Border officials have made one of the largest single firearm seizures in southern Ontario in recent history, after 56 prohibited firearms were seized at the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the seizure on Friday.

A vehicle was sent to secondary examination at the Blue Water Bridge on November 1. During which time, CBSA said 56 undeclared prohibited firearms,13 over-capacity magazines, 43 ten-round pistol magazines, and 100 rounds of ammunition were found in boxes located in the trunk of the car.

A Florida resident, 48-year-old Vivian Richards, was arrested and charged with several offences, as listed below.

· Making false or deceptive statements

· Evading compliance

· Keeping, acquiring, disposing of goods illegally imported

· Attempting to smuggle

· Unauthorized possession of a firearm

· Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon or restricted weapon

· Possession for purpose of weapons trafficking

· Importing or exporting knowing it is unauthorized

· Possessing a firearm knowing that the serial number on it has been altered, defaced or removed

The investigation is ongoing.

“This seizure and arrest demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada," said Christine Durocher, Regional Director General of Southern Ontario Region. "I am proud of our border services officers, intelligence officers and investigators who work diligently to stop the smuggling of firearms and keep our communities safe.”

Charges against the accused have not been proven in court. Richards' next court date is scheduled for November 24.

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