In the past four weeks, Prince George RCMP says it increased its focus on street-level drug trafficking and the violence associated with the lifestyle.
RCMP spokesperson Cst. Jennifer Cooper says members have worked on specific targets, collaborating with partner agencies like the Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) in an effort to curb the violence in Prince George, resulting in four separate significant firearms seizures last month.
The events are described as follows:
Prince George RCMP seized the handgun below during a robbery investigation at a home on the 1600-block 11 Ave.
Police found the pistol in the backyard with the magazine discarded in close proximity:
Firearm seized in January 2021. By Prince George RCMPMembers of the Downtown Safety Unit attended the Ramada Hotel (444 George St.) for complaints of non-compliance under the Public Health Order and located these five firearms stashed in multiple hiding places around the room.
Even though one is an air gun, it is nearly impossible for police to determine that detail at first glance.
Police also found large quantities of ammunition stashed in the hotel room:
Firearms and ammunition seized in January 2021. By Prince George RCMPMembers of the Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit located a prolific offender wanted on arrest warrants driving a stolen vehicle and tracked the individual to the Walmart parking lot (6565 Southridge Ave).
After arresting the suspect, Street Crew Unit members located a loaded 5.56 semi-automatic rifle at the driver’s feet and loaded, sawed-off shotgun under the passenger’s seat.
Police also noted that the magazine for the rifle had the pin drilled out and it was loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition, making it a prohibited item.
Firearms seized in January 2021. By Prince George RCMPThe Downtown Safety Unit also executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation at a residence on 1400-block Milburn Avenue.
Members seized these loaded revolvers, later found to be a BB guns, from a person at that location.
Various forms of ammunition for firearms other than the BB gun were also located at the residence.
BB guns seized in January 2021. By Prince George RCMPThe Prince George RCMP is reminding firearms owners to lock up their items in a secure place.
In addition, police are reminding gun owners not to mention where their firearms are stored, especially when at the gun range or when speaking online.
"Easily accessed firearms are a high priority target for many thieves," adds Cooper.
"When transferring ownership of a restricted or prohibited firearm, police say to make sure you are contacting the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 for the proper process."
She says illegally obtaining firearms from outside of Canada is only one of the ways criminals obtain these weapons.
