St. John's man, 38, charged after CBSA intercepts prohibited device in mail

RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region charged a 38-year-old St. John's man on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 with a series of weapons, customs and drug offences. The investigation began when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers intercepted a package addressed to St. John's that allegedly contained a device prohibited under the Criminal Code.

Police identified the accused as Lee Ballett, 38, of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. The charges have not been proven in court.

Package stopped in Mississauga

According to the RCMP, on November 6, 2025, CBSA officers at the International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario intercepted a package shipped from outside Canada to a recipient in St. John's. Police said the parcel allegedly contained a device prohibited under the Criminal Code.

CBSA investigators notified the RCMP Atlantic Serious and Organized Crime unit in St. John's. RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region then identified Ballett as the intended recipient.

Search of St. John's home

On November 20, 2025, RCMP officers executed a search warrant at Ballett's home. They worked with CBSA Criminal Investigations and the RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Response Team.

Police said officers seized several items during the search, including:

• Firearms
• Prohibited devices
• Prohibited weapons, including edged weapons
• Brass knuckles
• Other associated property

Charges laid

On June 24, 2026, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region charged Ballett with:

• 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 Schedule III substance (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
• Keeping, acquiring or disposing of goods illegally imported (Customs Act)
• Smuggling into Canada (Customs Act)

The RCMP thanked its investigative partners, in particular the Canada Border Services Agency, for detecting the shipment and supporting the investigation.

This article is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.