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Prosecutions and Seizures
Pacific Region
Sixty-four High Capacity Assault Rifle Magazines Intercepted
On February 21, 2009 border services officers working at the Canada Border Services Agency Mail Centre, in Vancouver, examined a package from the United States destined to an address in Surrey, B.C. and referred the package, which had been declared as plastic parts, for a secondary examination.
When border services officers examined the parcel, they determined that it contained 64 high capacity cartridge magazines. These magazines are designed for use with semi-automatic rifles and are prohibited devices under section 84 of the Criminal Code of Canada (CCC).
The Canada Border Services Agency immediately contacted the RCMP E Division Border Integrity unit, who began an investigation in this matter.
On February 27, 2009 the RCMP arrested 41-year old Shahriar TAVAZOIE and his 33-year old common law wife Maryam BEHAGH, both of Surrey, after they took possession of a parcel at a retail postal outlet. The parcel contained 64 high capacity magazines designed for use in AR-15 and AR-15 9mm Carbine Rifle.
Shahriar TAVAZOIE is charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking contrary to section 100(1) CCC.
- Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition contrary to section 95(1) CCC.
- Possession of a prohibited firearm knowing it is unauthorized contrary to section 92(1) CCC.
- Possession of a prohibited ammunition knowing it is unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) CCC.
Both Shahriar TAVAZOIE and Maryam BEHAGH are charged with:
- Possession of a prohibited device knowing it is unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) CCC.
- Smuggling contrary to section 159 of the Customs Act.
- Importing a prohibited device knowing it is unauthorized contrary to section 103(1) CCC.
The Canada Border Services Agency places a high priority on the detection and interdiction of undeclared firearms and prohibited weapons. Border services officers play a vital role in the identification and seizure of weapons at all of our ports of entry.
The Canada Border Services Agency, together with the RCMP, continue to work together to combat this serious problem.
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For media information:
For more information:
Canada Border Services Agency – Pacific Region
604-666-5492
News conference involving RCMP Border Integrity and the CBSA, Metro District, Pacific Region Mainland District regarding arrests made in relation to seizures of guns, large quantities of ammunition and high capacity magazines for AR-15 Rifles entering Canada and found at the residence of those arrested.
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