The Dragon Anti-Intrusion alarm company was closed for business Wednesday – after the owners were arrested on a handful of weapons-related charges.
Daniel Filion, his wife and daughter face charges of weapons trafficking, possession of prohibited weapons and conspiracy to traffic.
It all stems from what they were selling at their Les Coteaux, Que., company – alarm systems with pepper spray.
Pepper spray is a prohobited weapon in Canada – using it is illegal.
“The thing in those alarm systems that is illegal is to neutralize somebody,” said Surete du Quebec spokesperson Genevieve Bruneau.
But the sign outside the alarm company and the business’ website clearly state they’re legal.
Plus, a company advertisement boasts that an alarm armed with pepper spray is the best way to keep intruders out of homes, businesses, and cars.
Jerry Korogiannis has an alarm company of his own in Montreal.
He says security companies are legally obliged to follow Canadian laws and safety standards.
“There’s association that sets up boundaries and laws with regards to things like this. You need to follow them, there is a strict code,” he said.
What’s more, Korogiannis said a security system is supposed to be used for prevention – not a method of attack.
“I really don’t think you can combine security and something that could be criminal,” said Korogiannis, the owner of Les Alarmes Ultralert Inc.
Industry insiders warn this kind of system carries too high a risk for hurting innocent bystanders.
“It’s not a good system to protect the people. Sometimes, it could be a mistake to the customer, you never know it could a friend, it could be a parent who could be harmed,” Stephane Poitras, a Montreal alarm installation expert.
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