SUDBURY -- You do not have the right to purchase or possess a silencer.

That’s the message Greater Sudbury Police Service wants citizens to hear.

On Jan. 27, 2020, the Canadian Border Service Agency (C.B.S.A) intercepted a parcel being shipped through Canada Post from an exporter in China to an address in the city.

C.B.S.A. officers examined the package and discovered a firearm silencer/suppressor sold under the disguise of a solvent trap or a fuel filter.

These items are considered a prohibited device contrary to section 84 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Based on the offence and the destination of the package, the C.B.S.A. contacted the local police service to continue the investigation.

On March 5, 2020 members of the Integrated Crime Team with the assistance of the tactical unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Greater Sudbury locating the following:

Four functioning flashlight Conducted Energy Weapons and a 12GA shotgun along with several rounds of ammunition.

As a result of the investigation, a 51 year old man was arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Unauthorized possession of a Prohibited Device
  • Unauthorized importing/exporting of a Prohibited Device
  • Unauthorized possession of a Prohibited Weapon
  • Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

Police say the man was released on a promise to appear.

 He will be in court on April 15, 2020. His name cannot be release as the information has not yet been sworn to through the court process.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) have determined that devices with the following characteristics meet the definition of a silencer/suppressor:

  • A metal tube that is threaded on the inside of each end with the mechanical strength to withstand the forces of discharge and passage of a bullet.
     
  • Threaded caps to be attached to the metal tube (with or without a pre-drilled bore) with the means of mounting firmly to a firearm and baffles or an internal component such as a spring or rubber ring capable muffling or silencing the sound of discharge.

Police want to remind the public that these items are considered prohibited devices and that they will continue to work collaboratively with the C.B.S.A. to conduct collaborative investigations ensuring the safety and security of our community.

For more information on these devices, please visit the R.C.M.P. website
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/solvent-traps

Individuals or businesses that wish to report these items are encouraged to contact the Canadian Firearms Program by phone at 1-800-731-4000 or via email at cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca