Former MP faces 26 new weapons charges amid firearms trafficking case

Former federal MP Inky Mark is facing new charges related to a firearms trafficking case, according to the RCMP investigation. Mark, who represented the northern riding of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette in Parliament from 1997 to 2010, was first charged last month with gun trafficking after police seized over 400 firearms from his home in Dauphin, Man. The latest development adds 26 more charges to his count, making a total of 27.

The new charges include possession of firearms when knowing possession is unauthorized, in addition to the previous 12 charges, which also include firearm trafficking and possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized. Mark, who sat in Parliament for 13 years, was re-arrested on August 12 and charged with the additional offenses.

The investigation began when police reported seizing firearms from Mark's home, resulting in the recovery of 445 firearms, an increase of six from the previously reported number. Of that total, 295 were found to be stored unsafely, 10 were prohibited, and 11 were restricted or prohibited firearms not registered to Mark. Additionally, 26.5 kilograms of explosives were recovered, which is more than four times higher than what licensed individuals can possess.

Furthermore, two firearms registered to Mark were not located during the investigation. Police have stated that a number of restricted or prohibited firearms were also stored with readily available ammunition.