A 38-year-old man is facing weapons-related charges after police found he stored a significant number of firearms he collected over a number of years improperly at a home in Wawanesa, Man.
The national weapons enforcement team and Killarney, Man., RCMP seized 121 guns, three sets of body armour and a functioning antique cannon last month, police say.
Of the guns seized, 53 were restricted, 53 were non-restricted, four were prohibited but bought before they were illegal, six were antiques and five were receivers. Sixty-two were long guns and the other 55 were handguns, a press release states.
RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre said the seizure was based on the number of guns stored improperly after receiving tips from various sources.
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“These firearms cannot just be strewn about a residence,” he told reporters Tuesday.
“If you get this stuff in the wrong hands or if they had been stolen that becomes a concern for public safety.”
Manaigre said the accused had a restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence.
The July 20 search warrant also yielded several thousand rounds of ammunition, a number of magazines, of which some were loaded, and firearm manufacturing equipment, a press release states.
The man was released from custody with an upcoming court date.
RCMP say more charges are possible as the investigation continues.
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