Illegal Firearms Investigation Leads to Seizure of Items Associated to Importation, Smuggling and Trafficking Firearms and Prohibited Devices.

A man has been charged after investigators with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET) investigated the alleged Importation, Smuggling and Trafficking of Firearms and Prohibited Devices.

In June of 2023 CFSEU-BC IFET and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Criminal Investigators entered into a joint investigation after packages containing firearm components were intercepted at the border. At this time, a search warrant was executed at a business in Richmond.

On November 30, 2023 the investigation had progressed leading to a search warrant being executed on a residence in Vancouver. The search warrants revealed evidence consistent with an alleged sophisticated firearms importation scheme.

On February 27, 2025, the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) approved the following criminal charges against Andy Emre Gencoglu, a 24-year-old man from Vancouver;

• 1 count of smuggling a restricted firearm – Section 159(1) Customs Act
• 1 count of smuggling a prohibited firearm – Section 159(1) Customs Act
• 1 count of smuggling two prohibited devices – Section 159(1) Customs Act
• 2 counts of import a restricted firearm knowing its unauthorized – Section 103(1) Criminal Code
• 1 count of import two prohibited devices knowing its unauthorized – Section 103(1) Criminal Code

Gencoglu has been arrested and released on conditions while awaiting the judicial process. He has conditions not to be in possession of any weapons as defined by Criminal Code.

“Smuggling firearms is a dangerous criminal activity that jeopardizes public safety and fuels violence. CFSEU-BC remains committed to disrupting these illegal networks and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of illegal weapons,” says Corporal Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.