Two people have been arrested and charged in connection to a suspected firearm manufacturing and trafficking operation in Harbour Grace.
One section of wall at the Harbour Grace RCMP detachment was lined with evidence this afternoon. Numerous firearms—including 3D printed ones, ammunition, weapons, and more lined the tables.
Police say the investigation began on May 30 after the Canada Border Services Agency alerted them of an intercepted package containing firearm parts destined for Harbour Grace.
On Monday, police searched a Le Marchant street home where numerous items were seized, including 16 long guns, 33 handguns—27 of which were 3D printed and in various stages of completion, 3D printed magazines and firearm parts, a large quantity of ammunition, 10 prohibited weapons, a security uniform and hard body armour.
The RCMP believes the firearms were intended for sale.
As a result, 49-year-old John Byrne and 41-year-old Crystal Chislett are facing charges for the alleged offences. Both are charged with manufacturing a firearm, possession for the purpose of transferring/trafficking, two counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession with ammunition readily accessible, and possession obtained by the commission of an offence.
Byrne alone is facing additional charges of flight from police, possession of firearms while prohibited, and unauthorized possession.
Police say additional charges are anticipated.
The accused have appeared in court and remain in custody, with their next court date is tomorrow.
Two people, 49-year-old John Byrne and 41-year-old Crystal Chislett have been charged for the alleged offences. Here's a look at the items seized @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/hSPFq8ckId
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) June 29, 2023
