Ex-Canada MP Arrested as Police Seize 439 Guns, Antique Cannon From Home

Former Canadian member of Parliament Inky Mark has been charged after RCMP officers seized hundreds of firearms, ammunition, an antique cannon and more than $300,000 in cash from a residence in Dauphin, Manitoba. The search was part of a months-long firearms trafficking investigation.

RCMP Search Leads to Major Firearms Seizure

The RCMP said officers executed two search warrants at a Dauphin home on July 7.

During the operation, investigators seized 439 firearms, an antique cannon, ammunition and more than $300,000 in cash.

Police said it will take several weeks to fully document the evidence and determine how many firearms were illegally possessed.

At Least Three Firearms Allegedly Trafficked

According to Manitoba RCMP, at least three firearms are believed to have been illegally trafficked.

Investigators also said one firearm had its serial number tampered with.

The RCMP said some firearms connected to the investigation had allegedly been purchased but never lawfully transferred.

Inky Mark Faces Multiple Charges

Mark, 78, has been charged with several Criminal Code offences.

The charges include firearm trafficking, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, careless use of a firearm, unauthorized firearm possession, possession of prohibited devices, possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon with ammunition without a licence, and unsafe storage of firearms.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

Released With Conditions

The RCMP said Mark was initially remanded into custody but was later released on a release order.

He appeared in court last week on a dozen charges and was released with conditions while the case continues.

RCMP Says Illegal Firearms Trafficking Threatens Public Safety

RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Manitoba Commanding Officer Scott McMurchy described the illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons as a serious offence that endangers public safety.

Police said removing illegal firearms from communities remains a priority because such weapons can be difficult to trace and may support violent crime or organized criminal activity.

Investigation Began After U.S. Firearms Charges

The investigation began in late March after RCMP were notified that a 73-year-old Dauphin-area man was facing firearms charges in the United States.

That case led Canadian investigators to more firearms and eventually to search warrants for a second suspect’s home.

Motive Still Unclear

Police have not publicly identified a motive.

RCMP Cpl. Barry Kirby said investigators know Mark was a firearms collector, but they do not yet know why he had such a large number of firearms.

Kirby also noted that owning many firearms can be legal in Canada, but trafficking, unsafe storage and unauthorized possession can move a case into criminal territory.

Mark’s Political Background

Inky Mark previously represented the Dauphin area in Parliament from 1997 to 2010.

He was elected under the Reform Party banner and later sat with the Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party.

Before entering federal politics, Mark served in municipal politics in Dauphin. CPAC notes that he was elected to Dauphin municipal council in 1991 and became mayor in 1994.

Former Gun Rights Advocate

CityNews reported that Mark had previously opposed the national gun registry while serving in Parliament and had tabled petitions against it.

He also tried twice to introduce legislation recognizing Canadians’ right to hunt and fish, though the bills did not advance beyond first reading.

Manitoba and Firearms Policy Context

The case comes in a province where debates over federal firearms rules have been politically sensitive.

Manitoba has previously opposed some additional federal firearm restrictions, including proposed measures affecting legally owned firearms.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

RCMP said the investigation is still active.

Because of the size of the seizure, police expect cataloguing and analyzing the evidence to take time.

Investigators will continue reviewing the firearms, cash, ammunition and related evidence as the case moves forward.

The arrest and charging of former MP Inky Mark marks one of Manitoba’s most notable firearms investigations in recent memory.

RCMP seized 439 firearms, an antique cannon, ammunition and more than $300,000 in cash from a Dauphin property, while alleging that at least three firearms were illegally trafficked.

Although Mark has been released with conditions, the investigation remains ongoing and the allegations have yet to be tested in court.