Canadian Gun Smuggler Sentenced

Austin, Texas - A Canadian national was sentenced today to 82 months in prison and given a $30,000.00 fine for illegally purchasing handguns with the intent to smuggle them into Canada.

According to court documents, Harsimran Dhaliwal, 31, a Canadian citizen, was operating a gun smuggling operation to smuggle handguns, which are illegal in Canada, across the border and distribute them to criminals. In 2022, Dhaliwal made arrangements with a straw purchaser to obtain numerous handguns in and around the Austin area. Dhaliwal then smuggled the handguns back to Canada. At least two of those weapons have been recovered in Canada and linked to crimes committed there.

"The international smuggling of firearms is dangerous and harmful and our office will vigorously prosecute persons who illegally obtain, transport, and distribute guns" said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.