Plastic firearms parts being shipped to Canada from U.S. via mail: CBSA
An internal 2023 evaluation reported 68,338 firearms seized from the mail between 2018 and 2022
Author of the article
ostmedia News
Published Dec 23, 2025 • Last updated 15 hours ago • 2 minute read
Gun-toting criminals in Canada are using Canada Post to ship “ghost gun” parts into the country from the United States to bypass interdiction at the border, an internal government memos and audits says.
And while information on the number of illegal guns and parts intercepted per year wasn’t made available, an internal 2023 evaluation reported 68,338 firearms seized from the mail between 2018 and 2022.
So-called “ghost guns” are often-illicit firearms assembled from parts sourced from kits, purchased separately or even created using modern 3D printing technology.
‘Arsenal of weapons’ coming from United States
A Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) report entitled Audit of Postal Operations said 3D-printed firearm parts sourced from south of the border are making their way undetected into Canada.
“We were informed that three dimensional printing of firearms parts sent via the postal mode pose a risk,” the report read, in a story first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.
“For example, border services officers at the international mail processing facilities intercepted multiple falsely declared packages destined to the same address.”
The packages, auditors wrote, were said to contain prohibited firearms parts, as well as 3D printing equipment used to manufacture firearms.
Technology aiding the crime
A 2024 internal email to staff from CBSA president Erin O’Gorman highlighted this troubling change.
“As general technology evolves and becomes more readily available, ghost guns are being added to an arsenal of illegal weapons that are trafficked across the border, often in smaller parts to foil our efforts,” the report read, sourcing information from O’Gorman’s staff memo.
“Without the vigilance of border services officers, there is a risk mail containing high-risk items may be released into Canada, thereby impacting the health and safety of citizens,” the report read.
These parts were found at major international sorting plants in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
“Small parcel streams such as the postal mode are often perceived as key transport methods for the illegal importation of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition,” the report read, citing anonymity as the largest reason.
“Senders can provide accurate information on the Customs declaration and receivers can choose to have their packages sent to a post office box.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
blacklocks.ca
An internal 2023 evaluation reported 68,338 firearms seized from the mail between 2018 and 2022.
torontosun.com
