RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region has laid multiple charges against a 38-year-old St. John's man after a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) interception led to the seizure of firearms, prohibited devices, and other contraband from his residence in November 2025.
Intercepted Package Triggers Investigation
On November 6, 2025, CBSA officers at the International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario intercepted a package from an international shipper destined for St. John's. The package contained a device prohibited under the Criminal Code. CBSA immediately alerted investigators at the RCMP's Atlantic Serious and Organized Crime unit in St. John's.
RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region identified the intended recipient as Lee Ballett, 38, of St. John's. On November 20, 2025, RCMP officers executed a search warrant at Ballett's home, with assistance from CBSA Criminal Investigations and the RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Response Team.
Seizure of Weapons and Drugs
The search resulted in the location and seizure of firearms, prohibited devices, weapons including edged weapons and brass knuckles, and other property. Additionally, a substance believed to be a Schedule III controlled substance was found.
Charges Laid
On Wednesday, June 24, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region charged Ballett with the following offences:
- Unauthorized Importing or Exporting (Criminal Code)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device – two counts (Criminal Code)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon – five counts (Criminal Code)
- Possession of a Substance – Schedule III (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
- Keeping, Acquiring or Disposing of Goods Illegally Imported (Customs Act)
- Smuggling into Canada (Customs Act)
RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region extended thanks to its external investigative partners, including the Canada Border Services Agency, for assistance in this investigation. The case highlights the collaborative efforts between federal agencies to intercept prohibited items entering Canada and to hold individuals accountable under the law.
