Two men are facing charges related to the importation of illegal weapons into the province following two separate investigations by RCMP NL.
Early this month, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) intercepted a package containing a firearm silencer that was headed to a home in the Conception Bay North area and notified RCMP NL. An investigation began, leading to a search warrant executed by Bay Roberts and Harbour Grace RCMP at a Coley's Point residence, where police located two firearms. The investigation was supported by Canadian Postal Inspectors and multiple specialized RCMP Units: Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Federal Support Services, Police Dog Services, Holyrood and Harbour Grace General Investigation Services, and the Emergency Response Team.
A 41-year-old man was arrested and faces multiple weapons and firearms charges:
- Importing a weapon knowing it is unauthorized Section103(2) Criminal Code (CC);
- Unauthorized importing of a weapon Section 104(2) CC;· Two counts unauthorized possession of a firearm Section 91(3) CC; and
- Two counts of possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized Section 92(3) CC.
He was released on a number of conditions and will appear in court at a later date.
The second investigation involved a package containing a direct current touch taser, which is a prohibited weapon, headed to a Whitbourne resident. The package was intercepted by CBSA and an investigation began, with support by Canadian Postal Inspectors. On May 15, Placentia and Whitbourne RCMP, with the assistance of Holyrood and Harbour Grace General Investigative Services, Police Dog Services, and Traffic Services East, arrested a 27-year-old man after pulling over a vehicle in which he was a passenger. The man is currently prohibited from being in possession of any weapons. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple charges pending.
Following the arrest of the 27-year-old, there were several bags of suspected marihuana and marihuana edibles and in excess of $9000 found in the vehicle. The 18-year-old driver was arrested and will face charges relating to the possession of illegal amounts of marihuana.
RCMP NL thanks its partner agencies as it continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.