The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says two Ottawa men are facing multiple charges following an investigation that began with the interception of a prohibited weapon in the mail.
The agency says officers at its international mail processing centre in Mississauga seized a stun gun in January 2025 that was destined for a residence in Ottawa.
That seizure led to a broader investigation, culminating in a search warrant executed on April 29, 2025, by CBSA investigators with assistance from the Ottawa Police Service.
During the search, officers seized three firearms, two prohibited knives, five brass knuckles, two additional stun guns and forged documents.
The investigation also received support from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police specialized firearms unit.
As a result, Denis Laurin, 53, faces a wide range of charges under the Customs Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code, including smuggling, drug possession, firearms offences and forgery-related counts.
Michel Laurin, 54, is also charged with multiple firearms and weapons-related offences under the Criminal Code.
The CBSA says the charges stem from alleged possession of prohibited firearms without licences or registration, as well as possession of prohibited weapons and firearms with ammunition.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on June 18, 2026.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the case highlights the agency’s role in intercepting illegal weapons at the border and keeping communities safe.
Jag Johnston, regional director general for CBSA’s northern Ontario region, said officers work daily across mail, air, land and marine channels to detect smuggling attempts and investigate serious offences in partnership with police agencies.