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An alleged member of a Pakistani terrorist organization must remain in custody while federal officials attempt to deport him, after the Immigration and Refugee Board ruled Friday he was a danger to the public.

IRB Member Andrew Laut said Mohammed Aqeeq Ansari, 30, a Pakistani citizen with “radicalized views” who was arrested in Toronto on Oct. 27, would also be unlikely to appear for his immigration proceedings if he was released.

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In his decision, Mr. Laut said Mr. Ansari had amassed a dozen firearms and ammunition and was interested in acquiring more. “As stated the panel finds that the evidence as a whole supports a finding that this was not an innocent hobby.”

Mr. Ansari read publications espousing jihad and assassination, and his Internet posts were supportive of the killers who murdered two Canadian Forces members in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., and Ottawa, he said.

There is credible evidence originating from Mr. Ansari’s electronic media and communications on various Internet sites which supports the finding that he has actively supported the SSP

An investigation dubbed Project Seashell by the RCMP’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team concluded Mr. Ansari was a member of the terror group Sipah-E-Sahaba (SSP) and maintained its website.