CBSA investigation leads to multiple firearm and drug possession charges in Southern Ontario
An investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency's (CBSA) Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) has led to two arrests and the seizure of privately manufactured handguns, firearms parts, a 3D printer and narcotics, including carfentanil, a synthetic opioid one hundred times more potent than fentanyl. OFSET is comprised of criminal investigators, intelligence analysts and intelligence officers, dedicated solely to investigating firearms smuggling throughout Ontario.
In October 2024, border services officers at the international mail and cargo processing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, intercepted a silencer being imported from China. Another parcel containing a 50-round drum magazine coming from the United States was also seized. Both packages were destined for the same address. As a result, CBSA's OFSET initiated an investigation into the importation of firearms parts into Canada.
On May 29, 2025, following an extensive investigation, members of OFSET, with the assistance of the London Police Service's Emergency Response Unit, executed a search warrant at an address in London, Ontario.
Several items were seized, including:
privately manufactured firearms;
firearm parts;
a 3D printer;
35 g cocaine;
24.5 g carfentanil; and
oxycodone and boric acid.
Benito Schiavone, 33, and Modesto Dino Schiavone, 57, both residents of London, Ontario, have been charged with multiple firearm and drug possession charges under the Customs Act, the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Together they face:
4 counts of smuggling a Prohibited Device contrary to Section 159(1) of the Customs Act;
4 counts of unauthorized Importation of a Prohibited Device contrary to Section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
2 counts of manufacturing a Prohibited Firearm contrary to Section 99(1) of the Criminal Code;
8 counts of unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized contrary to Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code;
2 counts careless Storage of Firearms contrary to Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code; and,
2 counts of possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Modesto Dino Schiavone and Benito Schiavone are scheduled to appear in court later this month. The charges are subject to validation by the court.
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