A 32 year-old Petrolia man is facing 24 charges after a package with seven prohibited weapons was intercepted by Canada Border Services.

Lambton OPP say border guards found a package destined for Petrolia. It contained seven prohibited weapons including brass knuckles, two automatic opening knives, a brass knuckle knife, a centrifugal opening knife with a thumb stud, a taser and three butterfly knives.

The CBA called in the members of the Border Enforcement Security Team (BEST), including the OPP, to investigate. BEST is a multi-agency, cross-border enforcement team which includes the OPP, the Canada Border Services, as well as various national and international partners. It identifies, investigates, dismantles and prosecutes people involved in organized crime near the international border.

On March 19, a warrant was executed by BEST, the OPP Provincial Weapons Environment Unit, Canada Border Services and Lambton OPP in Petrolia. Officers seized the weapons at that time.

Phillip Grendel, 32 of Petrolia faces 24 criminal and customs charges including seven counts each of attempt to possess a prohibited weapon, importing a prohibited weapon knowing it’s unauthorized, unauthorized importation of a prohibited weapon as well as smuggling prohibited goods into Canada and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon.

He’s appeared in court and was released from custody. Grendel will return to court April 16.

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