A former federal politician in Manitoba, Inky Mark, is currently facing serious legal charges after the Manitoba RCMP executed a search warrant at his residence in Dauphin. The authorities reported the seizure of an impressive stockpile of weapons, including 439 firearms and an antique cannon, alongside a significant amount of cash totaling $300,000.
Inky Mark, who served as a Member of Parliament for Dauphin from 1997 to 2010 as a representative of the Reform Party, Canadian Alliance, and Conservatives, was charged with multiple firearms-related offenses. Among these charges are firearms trafficking, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, possession of property obtained by crime, and unsafe storage of firearms. It is worth noting that the allegations against him have not yet been tested in court.
According to RCMP Cpl. Barry Kirby, authorities have identified at least three of the seized firearms as being illegally trafficked, with one firearm found to have its serial number tampered with. The documentation and assessment of the seized evidence will require several weeks to determine the extent of illegal possession.
In explaining the situation, Kirby stated, “At this time, we don’t know his motives on why he had that many firearms. We know he was a firearms collector.” He elaborated that while individuals can legally possess numerous firearms, the situation turns criminal when illegal activities such as trafficking, unsafe storage, or unauthorized possession arise.
The investigation began in late March when police were alerted to a 73-year-old man from the Dauphin area who was facing firearms charges in the United States. This preliminary investigation subsequently led to more charges against that same individual, prompting further scrutiny into Mark's residence.
During the search warrant execution for the initial suspect, authorities discovered firearms that had been purchased by a second suspect without lawful transfer. This critical finding led to a subsequent search of the second suspect’s home, where additional illegal firearms were seized.
Scott McMurchy, the commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP, emphasized the broader implications of illegal firearms trafficking by stating, “The trafficking of illegal firearms is not just about the weapons themselves; it’s about the crimes that those weapons can enable.” He further noted that unregistered firearms can be challenging to trace and may contribute to violence and the activities of organized crime within communities.
Additionally, authorities reported that Mark’s property featured various political signage, hinting at potential personal beliefs or affiliations, although specific details regarding these messages were not disclosed. The RCMP will continue to prioritize public safety, aiming to remove illegal firearms from communities and mitigate the associated risks of violence and crime.
Overall, the incident raises significant concerns regarding illegal firearms and the potential threats they pose to public safety and community wellbeing.
