A Surrey man is custody facing several charges related to the seizure of a cache of weapons.
The 42-year-old was arrested on Aug. 21 at his home in the 10400-block of 140B Street.
Investigators with Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), acting on a tip, arrested the man with the help of the RCMP’s Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team as he was exiting his house.
He was allegedly carrying two bags that contained six handguns, all brand new and still in their packaging.
Another five guns – two of which were loaded – body armour, ammunition, firearms parts, suppressors, and tools to manufacture various firearms parts were found in the house and seized.
Police believe these guns were destined to be sold to the highest bidder. Ten of the 11 guns seized had their serial numbers obliterated and forensic work will begin to try and determine where the guns came from.
“This investigation is part of CFSEU-BC’s ongoing targeted enforcement initiatives against gangsters and their associates who have or are selling guns and putting everyone in our communities at risk,” said CFSEU-BC spokesperson Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
The accused, who is currently prohibited from possessing firearms for life, has previous convictions for a variety of property-related crimes, driving offences, drug offences, and firearms offences.
He has not been formally charged but remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The guns were a mix of 9mm, 10mm, .40 calibre, .45 calibre, and 7.62mm. The following is the list of guns and items seized:
• Two Smith & Wesson M&P40 handguns (new in boxes);
• Two Steyr M40 handguns (new in boxes);
• Three Jericho 941RPL handguns (new in boxes);
• One CZ TT9 handgun (found loaded);
• Two Glock handguns (both new in boxes);
• One CZ858 semi-automatic rifle (found loaded);
• One set of body armour;
• Assorted ammunition and firearms parts;
• Assorted firearm suppressors and tools to manufacture them.