A significant security vulnerability has been exposed within Canada's postal system, with federal auditors warning that criminals are exploiting mail services to smuggle untraceable "ghost gun" components into the country from the United States.
Postal System Used as a Conduit for Illegal Weapons
According to an internal Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) evaluation, border officers intercepted a staggering 68,338 firearms from the mail stream between 2018 and 2022. The audit, titled "Audit of Postal Operations," highlights that illicit actors are deliberately using Canada Post to bypass traditional border checkpoints, shipping firearm parts in small parcels to avoid detection.
The report, first detailed by Blacklock's Reporter, states that senders often falsify customs declarations. Packages containing prohibited items have been intercepted while destined for the same address, indicating organized efforts to build weapons domestically. These interceptions frequently occur at major international mail processing facilities in Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
The Rising Threat of 3D-Printed 'Ghost Guns'
So-called "ghost guns" are firearms that are often assembled from parts kits, individually sourced components, or created using modern technology like 3D printers. They are particularly dangerous for law enforcement as they lack serial numbers and are difficult to trace.
The CBSA audit specifically flags the growing risk posed by 3D-printed firearm parts entering via mail. "We were informed that three dimensional printing of firearms parts sent via the postal mode pose a risk," the document reads. Auditors noted seizures of not only the plastic firearm parts themselves but also the 3D printing equipment used to manufacture them.
Technology Evolution Challenges Border Security
In a 2024 internal memo to staff, CBSA President Erin O'Gorman emphasized how advancing technology is compounding the problem. "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 memo stated, as cited in the audit.
The report warns that the anonymity of the postal system is a key factor in its exploitation. Senders can declare inaccurate contents, and receivers can use post office boxes, making it harder for authorities to track the individuals involved. "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 audit concludes.
The findings underscore a persistent challenge for Canadian authorities: stemming the flow of illegal weapons from the United States. While the total number of gun parts intercepted annually was not specified, the five-year seizure total of over 68,000 firearms highlights the scale of the issue within the postal system alone.
