A former Manitoba politician, Inky Mark, is facing charges after a significant seizure of weapons, including an antique cannon, at his residence in Dauphin last week.
The Manitoba RCMP revealed that they confiscated 439 firearms and $300,000 in cash from Mark’s home. Mark, who served as an MP for Dauphin from 1997 to 2010 under various political affiliations, is accused of multiple firearms-related offenses, such as firearms trafficking, tampering with serial numbers, and unsafe storage of firearms.
Authorities suspect that at least three of the seized firearms were involved in illegal trafficking, with one firearm having its serial number altered. The investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of illegal possession of these weapons.
Mark’s motives for possessing such a large number of firearms remain unclear. RCMP Corporal Barry Kirby emphasized that while legal firearm ownership is permissible, engaging in trafficking, improper storage, or unauthorized possession crosses into criminal territory.
The RCMP highlighted the dangers associated with illegal firearms, stressing the importance of removing such weapons from communities to prevent violence and support organized crime activities.