A Toronto police officer has been charged in connection with a firearm investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The CBSA said in a release on Thursday that officers at its commercial operations facility in Mississauga intercepted a parcel from the United States on July 23.
“Upon examination, border services officers seized two complete firearms suppressors,” the CBSA said.
Its investigation determined the suspected recipient of the parcel was 47-year-old Nasser Gholami from Brampton.
On Sept. 24, the CBSA searched the home of Gholami and said they seized three non-restricted firearms, one prohibited suppressor attached to one of the guns, digital devices, and ammunition.
He was arrested and criminally charged with importing prohibited devices while knowing he was unauthorized, possession of a prohibited device knowing he was not the holder of a licence under which he may possess it, and unsafe display of a non-restricted firearm.
Gholami is also facing charges under the Customs Act and Firearms Act.
“This arrest and resulting criminal charges reflect the CBSA’s role in upholding the law with integrity and consistency. Those who attempt to smuggle illegal firearm parts into our country will be identified, investigated and prosecuted,” said Trishann Pascal, the executive director of the Greater Toronto Area Region and national lead of combatting firearms smuggling for the agency.
A Toronto police spokesperson confirmed Gholami is a constable with seven years of service.
“He is currently suspended with pay and has been served notice that the Chief intends to suspend him without pay following the mandated 60-day period under the Community Safety and Policing Act,” the spokesperson said in an e-mail to CP24.
“Our understanding is that the charges laid by the CBSA are unrelated to his duties as a Toronto Police officer.”
