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.
“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.