The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized 48 firearms, 30 conversion devices, and 17,000 rounds of ammunition after an investigation in Windsor, Ont.
CBSA officials said Monday that a 30-year-old Windsor resident has been arrested after the investigation by the CBSA Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET).
In May and June, border services officers in Windsor, Toronto and Montreal intercepted four parcels containing firearms parts and tools for manufacturing firearms.
The parcels were being imported from the United States and were all destined for the same address in Windsor. As a result, CBSA’s OFSET initiated an investigation into the importation of firearms parts into Canada.
“Through the diligent efforts of the CBSA’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team, dangerous firearms, firearms parts, and devices have been removed from circulation. Our border services officers and criminal investigators actions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to addressing gun smuggling and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities,” said OFSET director Abeid Morgan.
On July 17, the following items were seized after a search warrant was executed in Windsor:
- 48 firearms;
- 30 prohibited auto sears used to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns;
- various firearms parts;
- 175 magazines of which 104 were prohibited, including 4 x 50 round drum magazines;
- approximately 17,000 rounds of ammunition.
Hengwei Zhong, 30, a Windsor resident, has been arrested and charged by the CBSA under the Customs Act and Criminal Code with the following:
- one count of smuggling a controlled/regulated device
- one count of smuggling a prohibited device
- one count of unauthorized importation of a prohibited device
- one count of attempt to manufacture a firearm
- two counts of possession of a prohibited device without a licence
- three counts of improper storage of a firearm
- three counts of possession of a firearm at a place other than indicated on a licence
The charges are subject to validation by the court.
The CBSA’s OFSET is thanking the Windsor Police Emergency Services Unit for their assistance in conducting a tactical entry into the residence during the search warrant.
Hengwei Zhong is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 29, 2025.
