Constable, 47, has been suspended from the Toronto Police Service after being charged with multiple firearms-related offences
A Toronto police constable has been suspended from the force after being arrested by border agents, who say he tried to smuggle a shipment of illegal firearm silencers into Ontario from the United States.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced yesterday that Nasser Gholami, a 47-year-old from Brampton, was charged with multiple firearms-related offences in connection with a smuggling investigation that began in July.
However, the CBSA news release did not identify Gholami as a Toronto police officer. Nadine Ramadan, a spokesperson for Toronto Police Service (TPS), confirmed to TorontoToday on Friday that the accused is a seven-year veteran of the force.
“He is currently suspended with pay and has been served notice that the Chief intends to suspend him without pay following the mandated 60-day period under the Community Safety and Policing Act,” Ramadan wrote in an email.
“Our understanding is that the charges laid by the CBSA are unrelated to his duties as a Toronto Police officer,” she continued. “Any questions about the investigation should be directed to the CBSA.”
On July 23, the CBSA said officers at the agency’s commercial operations facility in Mississauga intercepted a parcel that originated from the United States. Inside, they found two complete firearms suppressors, commonly known as silencers.
The CBSA said further investigation “identified Gholami as the suspected recipient.”
On Sept. 24, the agency’s Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) executed a search warrant at the suspect’s Brampton residence. Authorities seized three non-restricted firearms, one prohibited suppressor attached to one of the firearms, digital devices and ammunition.
Gholami was arrested and charged with one count each of smuggling prohibited devices, importing prohibited devices while knowing they are unauthorized, possession of a prohibited device without a licence, and unsafe display of a non-restricted firearm.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Gholami is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
His next court appearance is set for Nov. 5.
“This arrest and resulting criminal charges reflect the CBSA’s role in upholding the law with integrity and consistency,” Trishann Pascal, an executive director at CBSA, said in the news release. “Those who attempt to smuggle illegal firearm parts into our country will be identified, investigated and prosecuted.”