Muhammad Aqeeq Ansari, a 30-year-old software designer, was arrested on Monday, according to his attorney, Anser Farooq, the Globe reported.
The arrest came days after two attacks in Ontario and Quebec that left two Canadian soldiers dead. Federal officials allege Ansari has ties to militants in Pakistan, that he had amassed an arsenal of firearms, and that he has expressed extreme views on Twitter, according to the Globe.
He is being charged under Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with being a danger to the security of Canada, the newspaper said.
Farooq and police officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Court records obtained by the Globe show that Ansari last year surrendered 10 firearms to authorities, including rifles and several handguns.
It said this was part of a plea bargain to obtain a conditional discharge on charges of illegally storing lawfully acquired firearms. Those proceedings did not include allegations of terrorism, the newspaper said.
COMMENTS (15)
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@gtm2012:
WRONG! non restricted fire arms I.e rifles shotguns need only be trigger locked or have to bolt/action removed. They do NOT need to be locked in cases unless the other two options are not done. As for restricted firearms I.e. Handguns and certain rifles. They must be trigger locked and/or bolt removed and locked separately. Ammunition must can be stored seperatly anywhere really even unlocked. As long as a fire arm is not loaded. Basically if you have a rifle hanging over your bed it should have a trigger lock on it. Your ammo can be loose sitting in the drawer next to your bed. 100% legal. Know the law to firearms before you comment.
@Ashar Pervez:
There are specific laws on how to store legally purchased firearms. They are to be stored inside LOCKED cases, and there are many more details to be complied with, e.g. child safety, ammunition safety etc. Semi-automatic weapons in the USA have to comply with other strictures, and automatic functions in certain weapons have to be disabled according to particular codes.
I am curious to know what does the phrase "illegally storing lawfully acquired firearms" means. Are there special requirements where legally acquired firearms need to be stored in Canada?
@FAZ: So you mean Canada won't give drivers license to 'illegal refugees' unless their status is confirmed in Canada. So whats wrong with that? And they don't single out Pakistani or Indians or others. Anyone without status in Canada or a province won't be given a license since you need to be a resident of the place to have a license. Pakistan doesn't give illegal foreign nationals drivers license (legally) as well. It is a piece of govt ID. Why should they? And anyway you can drive for 6 months to a year based on an international drivers license. Get your facts straight before making up stories.
@Alfa Romeo: there is no 'significant fear' of Pakistani Muslims in Canada. I live in Canada. Neither has 'every strike in last few years' got a connection with Pakistan. Pakistan has had its share, with the unrest in tribal areas, especially with British citizens returning to these tribal areas and bringing trouble to rest of the world, but it has not been Canada. The soldier martyred a few days ago was shot by a canadian born nutcase who had nothing to do with Pakistan. Stop making up stories adding your own flavour of exaggeration to it.
The guy in question sounds 'shady'. I doubt it has to do with him being 'Pakistani'. And Canada should do everything possible to secure this country as well. There is no place for extremists of any kind (brown white black yellow or red) in this country.
It is unfortunate that these crazed and disloyal people will make it difficult for other Pakistanis to get visa even if they are deeserving.
@bahaha: Yes Pakistani's, Indians, Ugandians etc etc will be denied driver's license. You got be Canadian or have some work permit visa etc to get a liscense of that country..
Why can't Pakistanis stay back home if all they are interested in is terrorism? They are making it difficult for legitimate emigres who want to make a living abroad.
Better to be safe than sorry.
My comment has been blocked earlier by Moderator earlier, where I had mentioned that there
s significant fear of Pakistani Muslims in Canada due to Muslims attacking and killing canadians. One Major Terror strike by Pakistani Origin Muslim anywhere in the world will literally block issuing of Visas to Pakistanis in totality. Unfortunate, but thats what going to happen due to the fact that OBL was found in Pakistan, and also almost every major strike anywhere in the world has a Pakistani connection in the last 10-15 years.I am a canadian and have been living in Canada for thirty years, Muslim and Pakistani by origin, Canadaian are one of the best people to live with, they are Kind, Generous, accepting and peaceful people, as far as I know they are more tolerant then the most and we wouldn't change this for the world or religion. " God Bless Canada"
@bahaha: And where might we all read how Pakistanis are singled out to be denied drivers licenses???
God bless Canada I am a Muslim and I love Canada from my heart those people they don't represent Islam they dont know any thing about our religion the are criminals and should be kicked out from this beautiful and peaceful country god bless Canada on the Canadian people
Gun collectors are rich people. The cops must be after quick bucks. Just for your info Pakistanis are even denied drivers licence. - security threat I suppose.
Good on Canada, I hope US and UK are looking at the transactions made by people living there, if there is any link to banned organisation, I hope they are arrested as well. We have to clear the terrorist menace.