United States authorities say they have broken up an international firearms trafficking network accused of moving dozens of guns from New Hampshire into Canada through Indigenous reserve areas along the border. According to CBC News, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire said the alleged pipeline involved 51 firearms, with some later recovered at violent crime scenes in Quebec.
Federal officials said the case involves an alleged scheme where straw purchasers in New Hampshire and Vermont bought firearms on behalf of others. These purchases are illegal when a person lies on firearm forms or buys a weapon for someone who is not the real buyer. Authorities said eight people have been charged in connection with the alleged conspiracy, while five others have already entered guilty pleas.
According to CBC News, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said several of the trafficked firearms were later found at Canadian crime scenes, including investigations connected to organized crime in Quebec. One firearm was reportedly recovered in Montreal during a search linked to a kidnapping investigation.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Sûreté du Québec. The Canada Border Services Agency also contributed by sharing information and enforcement expertise. A CBSA spokesperson said detecting illegal movement of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition remains a priority for border enforcement.
Court documents cited by CBC News say Vermont resident Justin Jackson admitted to trafficking firearms to Indigenous reserves near the New York border. Authorities allege that people connected to Akwesasne in New York would bring cash to Jackson and others, asking them to buy firearms from stores. In one alleged incident, a person using the name Mike Jones reportedly brought around $5,000 U.S. and asked Jackson to buy as many firearms as possible.
Several people, including Justin Jackson, Melissa Longe, Dustin Tuttle, Caleb Wilcott, and Doug Mulligan, have pleaded guilty in connection with the case. Sentencing dates are expected between June and August. The charge of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms can carry a maximum prison term of 25 years, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Other accused individuals named in the case include Io Rateka Swamp, Jonathan Hart, Conrad Oakes, Tayson Terrance, Ranonkwatseronhawi Gibson, Montana Cook, Blade Oakes, and Nash Oakes, all identified as residents of Akwesasne. Some were taken into federal custody this week, while others remain fugitives, according to the report.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about illegal firearms entering Canada from the United States and being used in violent crime. For more coverage on Canadian crime, policing, and public safety issues, visit Weekly Voice and the Weekly Voice Canada section.
