Four charged in weapons smuggling investigation

Police have arrested four people as part of a weapons smuggling investigation, after executing a search warrant in the Akwesasne First Nation.

A 30-year-old and a 33-year-old from the First Nation were arrested. A 38-year-old and a 35-year-old from Cornwall were arrested, too. Between the four, they face more than 40 firearms-related charges. 

The arrests come as part of an investigation that dates back to September, when more than 40 firearms were seized from a vehicle on Hwy. 401 near Prescott.

The search warrant was executed at a home on International Road on Wednesday. It involved the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit as well as the Emergency Response Team and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service.  Cornwall police and federal agencies on both sides of the border have been involved in the investigation, too. 

Some of the charges involve possession of weapons for the purpose of trafficking and importing unauthorized firearms. 

Police say, if you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, contact the Canadian Border Service Agency Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.