Authorities Seize Pound of Hash, Silencer (with No Gun), Other Illegal Stuff from Boat Off Newfoundland

Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) seized nearly a pound of hash and marijuana, a firearm silencer (lacking a gun), and other illegal paraphernalia from a ship off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador last month.

Today's CBSA's press release noted that the civilian vessel was carrying 450 grams of hash, 35 cartons of cigarettes, and what appears to be a silencer for a pistol, all of which can't, y'know, be brought into Canada legally.

CSBA superintendent Robert Wellon told VICE that while the border officials conduct a number of seizures each year, this was quite irregular for the Atlantic coast.

"First time I've been with CBSA that I'm aware of a silencer ever being seized in [Newfoundland and Labrador]," he said. "We don't see seizures like this too often."

Wellon couldn't go into specifics as to what prompted border officials to search the vessel, but noted that any and all ships entering Canadian waters are open to inspection, much like anybody entering Canada. He did note, however, that only certain ships end up being searched, and that this ship in particular was returning from a foreign country when border officials asked to search it.

The two men who were on board were arrested and may be facing charges relating to failing to declare foreign items as well as a myriad of charges relating to possessions of drugs and paraphernalia. Some of the items on board, such as the silencer, are universally prohibited by federal law.

Wellon says it's not clear yet if the stuff the men had on board was for personal use or was meant to be brought into the country for another reason, but that the CSBA is thoroughly investigating the incident.

Surely, they had plans to smoke all 450 grams of hash and 35 packs of darts at one point or another.

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