2 Montreal-area men charged with smuggling prohibited guns from the U.S.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it seized several weapons after searching the homes of two Montreal-area residents on June 6, 2024. (Source: CBSA)

Two Montreal-area men are facing 17 charges related to smuggling prohibited guns from the United States after packages were seized in the mail last summer.

Scott Shein, 51, of Laval, and John Papadimitriou, 52, a resident of Saint-Eustache, are set to appear in court on Thursday to face the charges following an investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The CBSA said their investigation led them to the two Quebecers after officers intercepted a package in April 2024 at the mail processing centre in Mississauga, Ont. The two men were suspected of importing a prohibited weapon and other devices from the U.S.

A search warrant at their homes on June 6, 2024, resulted in the seizure of more evidence, including “several” weapons, the border agency said Wednesday.

Shein is facing charges of smuggling goods into Canada, importing a prohibited weapon into Canada, and possession of prohibited weapons.

Papadimitriou is facing several charges, including possessing a restricted firearm with an obliterated serial number, manufacturing a restricted firearm, possessing computer data for the purpose of printing firearms using a 3D printer, possessing 15 prohibited weapons, and possessing four illegally imported prohibited devices.

Both men are also facing charges of importing prohibited devices under the Customs Act and conspiracy under the Criminal Code.

“The interception of high-risk goods, such as firearms, firearm components, and prohibited weapons and devices, is a priority for the Canada Border Services Agency,” said Eric Lapierre, the CBSA’s regional director general for the Quebec Region, in a news release. “Offenders will be held accountable for their actions. I commend our officers who, through their dedication and expertise, have protected our communities by stopping the illegal flow of dangerous weapons.”