News Summary
Three Canadian citizens have been indicted for allegedly smuggling 36 firearms from the U.S. to Canada. The indictment, announced recently, highlights the ongoing issues of firearms trafficking across borders. The accused face severe penalties if convicted, emphasizing the risks associated with illegal firearm acquisitions and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing such activities.
St. Clair River, Ontario – Three Canadian citizens have been indicted in a gun smuggling plot involving the illegal transportation of 36 firearms from the United States into Canada. The defendants, identified as Akeem Richards-Crawford (31), Dwayne Harrison (34), and Jannai Stewart (35), face serious charges including conspiracy to smuggle and actual smuggling of firearms and firearm magazines. The indictment was announced on June 26, 2025.
The initial stages of the investigation revealed that Richards-Crawford and Harrison traveled from Canada to the U.S. in October 2023. Once in the United States, they rented a vehicle and secured accommodations at a hotel in the Detroit-Metropolitan area. Their operation expanded as they traveled to various cities, including Houston, Texas, and Cincinnati, Ohio, with the intent to purchase firearms.
Among the illegal activities, Richards-Crawford and Harrison returned to the Eastern District of Michigan with a plan to execute their smuggling operation. On October 26, 2023, they ventured toward the Algonac, Michigan area, where Harrison was observed carrying a backpack containing the 36 firearms. As part of their escape plan, Harrison used a jet ski to cross the St. Clair River, attempting to reach Canada with the stash.
However, the plan took an unexpected turn when Harrison mistakenly approached an unmarked police vehicle upon arriving in Canada. Believing it to be his getaway driver, he quickly realized the error, abandoned the backpack, and fled on foot. Canadian law enforcement officials subsequently recovered the backpack, discovering that each firearm was wrapped individually in tube socks.
Stewart, who had been informed of the operation and was meant to pick Harrison up, was also present at the scene. She had received alarming messages from Harrison that read “Come get me” and “Cops came,” indicating the sudden change in their operation as law enforcement arrived.
If convicted of the charges against them, each defendant could face severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for each smuggling count and up to five years for the conspiracy count. The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding firearms smuggling across international borders and the risks associated with illegal firearm acquisitions.
Gun smuggling poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies on both sides of the Canadian-American border. The attempt by Richards-Crawford, Harrison, and Stewart illustrates a concerning trend of organized efforts to funnel illegal weapons into Canada, where stringent gun control laws are enforced.
The indictment highlights the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies in combating gun smuggling. Such operations often involve extensive investigations and intelligence-sharing to prevent the trafficking of firearms, which can contribute to violent crime rates and public safety concerns.
As this case progresses, it represents a critical juncture in the fight against illegal firearms trafficking. The repercussions for the accused could have lasting implications, both for their lives and the communities affected by gun violence.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Three Canadians Indicted for Firearms Smuggling Attempt
Three Canadians Charged in Detroit Gun Smuggling Case
Detroit Drug Trafficking Bust: Seven Men Charged
Additional Resources
- ClickOnDetroit: Detroit-based gun smuggling plot unravels
- Detroit Free Press: Canadians busted trying to sneak American guns over on a jet ski
- MLive: 3 men tried to smuggle guns into Canada using jet ski
- Google Search: gun smuggling Canada USA
- CBS News: 3 Michigan men arrested on drug trafficking charges
- Wikipedia: Gun control
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.
