Gel Blasters Canada: Why Police Say These Toys Can Get You Arrested

A TikTok video scrolls by. A group of friends laugh as they step out of a car, aiming colorful toy guns and firing tiny beads at each other. It looks harmless, even fun, until a police cruiser appears in the background of another clip.

What started as an online “Orbeez challenge” has evolved into a safety concern in Canada. Across the country, police are responding to calls about what appear to be real firearms. The toys in question are gel blasters, devices that shoot small water-filled beads. They are sold online as fidget gadgets or backyard toys, but their realistic design has drawn the attention of law enforcement and border officials.

For Vancouver residents, the issue raises real questions. Are these toys legal? Can they be carried in public? And how did a TikTok trend become a police problem?

What Exactly Are Gel Blasters & The Orbeez Challenge?

Gel blasters are toy guns that shoot soft polymer beads known as gel balls or Orbeez. The beads are soaked in water before use, causing them to swell into small, squishy projectiles that burst on impact. Many models resemble handguns or rifles, often down to color, size, and design.

The “Orbeez challenge” took off on TikTok when creators began filming themselves shooting unsuspecting people or vehicles as a prank. Some used bright, toy-like versions, while others used realistic replicas. In the United States, several incidents resulted in injuries and arrests. By 2024, similar videos began surfacing in Canadian cities, prompting warnings from police across multiple provinces.

Are Gel Blasters Legal in Canada?

The legality of gel blasters in Canada is complex. Under the Criminal Code, a “replica firearm” is any device that looks with near precision like a real firearm but is not capable of causing serious injury or death. Replica firearms are classified as prohibited devices, meaning they cannot be imported, sold, transferred, or exported.

Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent in December 2023, reaffirmed this rule. It clarified that devices closely resembling regulated firearms are prohibited, even if they shoot harmless projectiles. While owning one privately is not automatically a crime, anyone caught importing or displaying one in public may face seizure and potential charges.

How CBSA Treats Gel Blasters at the Border

The Canada Border Services Agency regularly seizes shipments of gel blasters. Packages ordered from online retailers often arrive labeled as “toys” but are detained because they are considered prohibited replicas. Buyers frequently report on Reddit and hobby forums that their orders are confiscated and never returned.

The reasoning is straightforward. If a gel blaster looks too much like a real firearm, it meets the legal definition of a replica. In Canada, bright colors or orange tips do not make the item exempt, unlike in the United States. The visual resemblance to a real gun is what determines legality.

Police Warnings and Real Incidents in Canada

Across Canada, police departments have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of gel blasters. In 2024, York Regional Police charged several teens in Vaughan after drive-by assaults involving gel-bead projectiles. Winnipeg schools have banned the toys following safety incidents, and RCMP detachments in British Columbia have cautioned residents about public use.

Vancouver police have also responded to reports of people carrying what appeared to be guns that turned out to be toys or lighters. Officers note that they must treat every firearm call as real until confirmed otherwise. Even an innocent prank can quickly escalate into a serious encounter.

What Happens When Someone Calls 911 About a “Gun”

When a firearm is reported, officers respond immediately and with caution. They cannot distinguish a toy from a real weapon until they are on scene. Brandishing or displaying a gel blaster in public can lead to an armed response, detention, or criminal charges such as causing a disturbance or possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

For young people filming social media content, the consequences can be severe. What seems like a joke online can create panic, trigger a large police response, and lead to long-term legal problems.

Safety Risks Beyond the Law

Gel blasters pose additional safety and health risks. Health Canada warns that Orbeez and similar water beads can expand inside the body if swallowed or inserted into the ear or nose. This can cause life-threatening blockages, particularly in children. Several hospitals have reported emergency cases linked to these beads.

Environmental concerns have also been raised. The beads do not fully biodegrade and can enter waterways through drains or outdoor play. Combined with the potential for public misidentification, these issues make gel blasters a growing focus for regulators and safety advocates.

Why the “It’s Just a Toy” Mindset Is Dangerous

From a distance or in low light, a gel blaster can look identical to a real handgun. Police officers and bystanders cannot tell the difference until it is too late. Even if the device fires soft beads, its appearance alone is enough to cause panic.

In cities like Vancouver, public awareness is critical. Carrying or displaying one of these toys can lead to police intervention or seizure. Understanding how Canadian law views gel blasters is essential to avoiding unnecessary danger.

What You Can Do

If you already own a gel blaster, keep it at home and never display it in public. Do not attempt to import one from overseas, even if marketed as a fidget toy or replica. Many are intercepted by CBSA and will not be returned.

Parents should monitor whether children are playing with gel blasters or water bead products. Health Canada’s safety pages include guidance on safe toy use and product recalls. For social media creators, promoting the “Orbeez challenge” may violate platform guidelines and could draw legal attention if it involves public spaces or nonconsenting participants.

In Vancouver, anyone who sees a person with a gun-shaped object should contact the police. For situations that do not appear immediately dangerous, use the non-emergency line rather than 911.

What This Trend Really Means for Canadians

The rise of gel blasters in Canada shows how quickly online trends can blur the line between harmless fun and real risk. What begins as a social challenge can escalate into a police call, a border seizure, or a medical emergency. The safest approach is to stay informed, avoid carrying realistic-looking toys in public, and think twice before joining viral challenges that can have serious consequences.

Questions Canadians Are Asking About Gel Blasters

Are gel blasters legal to own in Canada?

Private ownership is not a crime, but importing, selling, or displaying one in public can be illegal if the device meets the definition of a replica firearm.

Can I import a gel blaster from the U.S. or Asia?

No. The Canada Border Services Agency classifies most as prohibited replicas and routinely seizes them at the border.

What happens if police see me with a gel blaster?

Police respond as if it were a real firearm until proven otherwise. You could face detention or criminal charges depending on the situation.

Are Orbeez beads dangerous for children?

Yes. Health Canada warns that water beads can expand inside the body if swallowed, leading to serious injury or death.