UPDATED
RCMP in The Pas raided a home on Reader Street in the community after receiving information from Canada Border Services Agency that they intercepted a silencer being smuggled into Canada.
Police investigated and executed two search warrants, one on September 1 and the other on September 2. The searches resulted in the seizure of items that indicate manufacturing of firearms and silencers was being conducted.
During the searches officers seized two handguns, two long guns, eight suppressors/silencers, two 3D printers, Ammunition and firearm parts
49-year-old Patsy Shawage was arrested and charge for the alleged involvement with Firearms Manufacturing x 2, Unauthorized Importation of a Firearm Silencer, Possession of a loaded Restricted or Prohibited Firearm and Possession of a Firearm when Unauthorized.
Police also had a warrant for the arrest of 49-year-old Trent Swanson. He was arrested on the afternoon of September 10, 2020 on charges for his alleged involvement including two counts of Firearms Manufacturing, Manufacturing a Firearm silencer, Unauthorized Importation of a Firearm Silencer, two counts of Possession of a Firearm knowing its Possession is Unauthorized, two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a loaded handgun and two counts of Possession of a handgun contrary to a court order
RCMP noted that manufacturing of firearms without the appropriate business licence is illegal. Importation and possession of firearm silencers, including those marketed as ‘solvent traps’, is also illegal.
Note: story update to reflect the arrest of Trent Swanson
© News4.ca 2020
