News Summary
Three Canadian citizens, Akeem Richards-Crawford, Dwayne Harrison, and Jannai Stewart, have been indicted for allegedly smuggling 36 firearms from the United States into Canada. The indictment follows an operation that involved traveling to multiple U.S. cities to acquire the weapons. Law enforcement intercepted their attempt when Harrison approached an unmarked police vehicle while trying to escape on a jet ski. Each defendant faces severe federal charges that could lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Detroit, Michigan – Three Canadian citizens have been indicted for attempting to smuggle 36 firearms from the United States into Canada. Akeem Richards-Crawford (31), Dwayne Harrison (34), and Jannai Stewart (35) face serious federal charges, including conspiracy to smuggle and the actual smuggling of firearms and firearm magazines. Each defendant could face up to 10 years in prison for each smuggling count and up to five years for the conspiracy charge if convicted.
The sequence of events leading to the indictment began in October 2023 when Richards-Crawford and Harrison traveled from Canada to Detroit. They rented a vehicle and a hotel room in the area as part of their smuggling operation. After that, they made their way to Houston, Texas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, to obtain the firearms needed for their plan.
On October 26, 2023, the two men returned to the Eastern District of Michigan, where they drove to the Algonac area with a backpack containing the 36 firearms. In a critical moment of their smuggling attempt, Harrison boarded a jet ski and began his journey across the St. Clair River intending to transport the firearms into Canadian territory.
However, the operation took a turn when Harrison mistakenly approached an unmarked police vehicle, believing it was waiting for him as a getaway driver. Once he realized his mistake, he quickly dropped the backpack and fled on foot. Canadian law enforcement soon recovered the backpack that contained all the firearms, notably wrapped in tube socks to presumably disguise their contents.
Stewart, who was designated to pick up Harrison after the crossing, was later found nearby. At the time of his apprehension, he had received text messages from Harrison stating, “Come get me” and “Cops came,” indicating the chaos surrounding the smuggling attempt.
This incident raises serious concerns about cross-border gun smuggling, particularly given the ongoing challenges both Canada and the United States face regarding firearms-related crime. The multiple jurisdictions involved and the methods employed by the defendants reflect a sophisticated approach to illegal importation — one that may have been successful had it not been for the police intervention.
Gun smuggling is not only a violation of federal law but also poses significant risks to community safety. The transportation of firearms across borders, particularly in such a clandestine manner, can lead to increased violence and unlawful activities in both nations. This situation emphasizes the importance of vigilance and cooperation between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies in addressing the ongoing threat of illegal firearms trafficking.
This case is part of a broader effort to combat illegal weapons trafficking that continues to pose challenges to authorities on both sides of the border. The consequences faced by Richards-Crawford, Harrison, and Stewart should serve as a deterrent against similar attempts, illustrating the legal and personal ramifications of engaging in such illicit activities.
As the legal proceedings move forward, it will be essential to monitor how the case progresses and what implications it may hold for future firearms inspections and cross-border enforcement measures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Canadians Charged in Detroit Gun Smuggling Case
Detroit Drug Trafficking Bust: Seven Men Charged
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Wikipedia: Gun Smuggling
- MLive
- Google Search: firearms smuggling Canada US
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firearm
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Google News: cross-border gun smuggling
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
