A former Dauphin mayor and local member of Parliament is facing several charges in connection with a months-long investigation into firearms trafficking.
Inky Mark was charged following the execution of two search warrants, July 7, obtained as part of an investigation of RM of Dauphin resident Wilfred Kachurowski, 73, who was arrested in the U.S. after he was caught stealing a handgun from a gun show in Minnesota.
Investigation of that incident resulted in additional charges in Canada for Kachurowski and led police to Mark.
In total, 439 firearms were seized from Mark’s property.
“We also seized an antique cannon, ammunition, and more than $300,000 in currency,” said Cpl. Barry Kirby of the West District General Investigation Section.
“It’s expected to take several weeks for investigators to document the large collection of evidence gathered at the residence and determine how many firearms were illegally possessed. What we’re able to confirm today is that at least three firearms were illegally trafficked. At least one firearm had its serial number tampered with and hundreds of the firearms were improperly stored inside the home.”
Currently, Mark faces 12 charges including firearms trafficking, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized, two counts of possession of a prohibited device when knowing that possession is unauthorized, possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon with ammunition without a licence, and three counts of unsafe storage of firearms.
The warrants were executed by the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Manitoba West District General Investigation Section, with support from several RCMP units - including the Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), Manitoba Provincial Serious and Organized Crime, the Emergency Response Team, Dauphin RCMP and Police Dog Services.
“The illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons is a serious offence that threatens public safety,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Manitoba Commanding Officer Scott McMurchy.
“We thank the many RCMP officers who are working on this case for their tireless efforts in targeting individuals who are trafficking these dangerous and illegal weapons and bringing them to justice.”
Mark was remanded in custody and later released on a release order.