Former Manitoba MP Inky Mark is facing 26 additional weapons-related charges after the RCMP reported finding 445 firearms and 26.5 kilograms of explosives at his home near Dauphin.
Mark, 78, was initially arrested on July 7 following a police search of his property and was charged with 12 offences. The RCMP later reviewed the seized evidence and determined that 445 firearms had been recovered. Police said 295 were improperly stored, while 10 were prohibited and 11 restricted or prohibited firearms were not registered to Mark.
Authorities also reported seizing 26.5 kilograms of explosives, an amount they said was more than four times the permitted quantity for licensed individuals. Some restricted or prohibited firearms were stored alongside readily accessible ammunition, while two firearms registered to Mark could not be found.
The new charges, filed after his rearrest on Aug. 12, include weapons trafficking, possession of prohibited and restricted firearms with ammunition, unauthorized firearm possession, firearms with altered serial numbers and failing to report missing firearms.
Mark has said he legally collected firearms for decades but acknowledged illegally transferring three guns. He denied trafficking firearms and argued that some weapons became illegal following changes to Canadian gun laws.
Police also seized more than $300,000 in cash during the July search. Mark said the money came from property sales and denied any connection between the cash and firearms trafficking.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE