Firearms and ammunition seized by CFSEU-BC, 3 males arrested in suspected ‘straw purchasing’

SEVERAL firearms were seized and three men arrested after officers from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) conducted a search warrant of a residence in relation to a firearm trafficking investigation on Saturday, January 2.

VOICE sources say there is a suspected Hells Angels connection.

In late December, information was received that led the CFSEU-BC Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team (IFET) to begin a firearm trafficking investigation into a suspected ‘straw purchaser.’ A ‘straw purchaser’ is someone with a valid Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), who obtains firearms for someone who otherwise could not or who does not want their name associated with the transaction. These firearms are often purchased for those within the criminal element. 

On January 1, CFSEU-BC IFET observed a male acquire and then transport a number of restricted firearms, as well as a large amount of ammunition, to a residence in the 21800-block of 56th Avenue in Langley, contrary to authorization from the British Columbia Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) which required the male to transport the firearms to, and store them at, a residence in Sooke. With the assistance of the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team (LMD ERT), three men were arrested.    

On January 2, CFSEU-BC IFET members along with UGET (Uniform Gang Enforcement Team) executed a search warrant of the 56th Avenue property, seizing the previously purchased firearms and ammunition, as well as other firearms and paraphernalia associated to organized crime.

The investigation into the alleged ‘straw purchaser’ and several firearms-related Criminal Code offences continues.

“Straw purchasing and illegal trafficking of firearms puts firearms in the hands of individuals who use them for a criminal purpose,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC. “Straw purchasers put our communities at risk and CFSEU-BC IFET remains vigilant in their pursuit to identify, investigate and arrest these individuals who threaten the safety of our public.”