A 23-year-old man is facing weapons trafficking charges after he allegedly was working as a middleman in the purchasing of firearms from an authorized business then reselling or trading the weapons to a known gang member.

Police say that got wind of the operation in March 2023 and began an investigation. The operation is known as a straw purchase, which is illegal. It uses a person who can legally purchase firearms and pass the federal background check to buy the gun for someone who could not pass the required checks or does not want their name associated with the weapon.

Police say that the accused sold weapons to the gang member between July 2021 and November 2022. Investigators were able to identify the suspect after some firearms were traded for illegal drugs.

In September 2022, officers seize a .22 calibre rifle that was part of the weapons which had been passed on to the gang member. Police say that six .22 calibre rifles and a 9mm rifle had been purchased in the scheme along with ammunition.

Officers raided an Inward, Manitoba home with help from the RCMP and located:

• Cellular device
• Firearms Possession Acquisition License (PAL) card
• .50 calibre rifle and ammunition
• Rifle-style pellet gun

The accused was released from custody.