Two arrested in prohibited weapons bust

Two Ontario men in their 70s have been arrested after police seized about 150 illegal or improperly registered knives and guns.

The men from Dryden, one of whom is a licensed firearms dealer, were arrested after selling switchblades at a gun show in Brandon, Man., last week, police said Monday.

"A large quantity of firearms, knives, ammunition and cash were seized from the two individuals, who had reserved tables to be part of the (gun) show," said Rob Duttchen, a detective with the Winnipeg Police Service.

Switchblades, which are spring-loaded knives, are prohibited in Canada. Police later searched a home in Dryden and seized knives as well as handguns, rifles and other firearms that were not properly registered.

"There were firearms of every classification – non-restricted, restricted and prohibited – with various registration histories or various inventory problems in relation to the business licensing," Duttchen said.

"The fashion in which the weapons were brought into Manitoba and their sale within Manitoba was outside the scope of this business licencee’s ability to legally conduct business."

The dealer had sold switchblades on at least one other occasion this year, and anyone who bought the switchblades should think about handing them in to police, Duttchen said.

"If you’re found in possession of a prohibited knife, you could be charged, so I would counsel anyone who … thinks they may have bought a knife from this individual to make arrangements to surrender it to police."

More than 2,100 visitors attended the annual gun show in Brandon this year.

Organizer Conrad McClure says he was shocked to learn of the arrest and he says it could give the industry a black eye.

"It really depends on how it’s all played out in the media," said McClure.

"It’s an isolated incident. We were shocked when we found out."

Police would not release the men’s names until upcoming court appearances in Brandon and Dryden. Charges are still being finalized.