A 29-year-old Stuartburn man is facing multiple firearms related charges stemming from an investigation led by the Steinbach General Investigations Section.
In August 2019, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted an incoming parcel from China that was determined to be two prohibited firearms suppressors (silencers). The Steinbach General Investigations Section took over the investigation as the recipient for the parcel was an employee of a Steinbach business.
On October 8, 2019, the employee, a 29-year-old male, was arrested at his workplace and taken into custody. RCMP executed a warrant at his residence in the RM of Stuartburn, resulting in the seizure of six rifles, one shotgun, multiple rounds of ammunition, prohibited firearm magazines, another prohibited firearm suppressor (silencer) and two laptop computers.
Police say that the accused was charged with two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, importing a prohibited device (Criminal Code) and smuggling a prohibited device (Customs Act). Police noted that these offences carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.
RCMP report that the accused has been released to appear in Steinbach Provincial Court on November 28, 2019.
Manitoba RCMP have observed an increase in these types of offences and caution anyone against ordering firearm accessories from foreign markets that may be deemed as prohibited in Canada.
