West Shore RCMP’s street crime unit has seized several weapons and a large number of ammunition magazines from a home on William Head Road in Metchosin.
Three adults – two males and a female – were under investigation when a search warrant for the home was executed, Aug. 2 in the afternoon. A man and a woman were in the home at the time.
“It was a fast-moving investigation,” said Sgt. Max Fossum, with West Shore RCMP.
No arrests were made, but eight rifles, four handguns, three bullet-proof vests and more than 20 magazines were seized by the RCMP.
All the firearms were owned by a male in his late 20s. The man is a member of the Canadian military, but since there have been no arrests or charges laid to date, the military would not supply a comment. The man’s name has not been released.
“The weapons were unsecured and not properly stored,” Fossum said. “All firearms have to be properly secured.”
Unsecured firearms could fall into the hands of other criminals or children, Fossum said.
“We, the police, are lucky we got to them first,” Fossum said, adding there were no prohibited firearms in the home. The magazines, however, are prohibited due to the number of rounds they store. Fossum could not say the exact number of rounds.
The weapons were found in various rooms in the house in easily accessible locations including under beds, leaning against walls and in a travel bag. At least one of the handguns was loaded.
“There was a safe in the home, but it wasn’t locked,” Fossum said.
Many of the rifles were modified with scopes and other additional parts to appear more menacing, said Const. Olen Bernardo with the street crimes unit.
“These can all be purchased lawfully for target shooting,” he added.
While the weapons have been modified, police have not yet determined to what extent, Fossum said.
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