Cache of guns seized by Cornwall RCMP; two arrested

In this provided photo, Cornwall RCMP show off the 59 guns and high capacity magazines seized during an operation near Cornwall on Friday, Nov. 25, 2021. Two men from Quebec are facing charges. (RCMP via Newswatch Group)

CORNWALL – The Mounties say they seized a quantity of guns in Cornwall destined for criminal networks elsewhere in Canada.

Cornwall RCMP say a boat crossed the St. Lawrence River and came ashore near Cornwall where three large bags were unloaded into a waiting vehicle.

That vehicle was stopped by police and officers found 59 guns and 110 high capacity magazines. There were 53 pistols and six rifles.

“As is the case with the vast majority of unlawful guns, it is believed these firearms were destined for criminal networks and illicit gun trafficking groups,” the RCMP said in a statement.

The bust by the Integrated RCMP Cornwall Border Integrity Team happened a week ago (Nov. 26) and details of the operation were only released Thursday (Dec. 2).

Two Quebec men – a 25-year-old from Laval and a 49-year-old from Montreal – are facing a number of firearms-related charges and will face additional charges under the Criminal Code and Customs Act.

The 25-year-old was released on $10,000 bail and has to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet. The 49-year-old was released on $2,000 bail.

Both will appear in court next month.

The RCMP thanked the OPP, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, Montreal Police, Quebec Provincial Police, RCMP in Valleyfield, Que. and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team for help with the investigation.