Former MP Inky Mark, 78, was arrested after RCMP officers seized 439 firearms, an antique cannon and more than C$300,000 in cash from his home near Dauphin, Manitoba. Authorities say at least three weapons are believed to have been illegally trafficked and one had its serial number tampered with. Mark faces firearms-trafficking and related charges; he was released from custody under conditions. The probe began in March after U.S. firearms charges involving another local man led investigators to Mark.
Former MP Inky Mark Arrested After RCMP Seize 439 Firearms, Antique Cannon and Over C$300,000
[RCMP]
Former Member of Parliament Inky Mark has been arrested after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) seized a large cache of weapons, an antique cannon and a substantial amount of cash at his residence near Dauphin, Manitoba.
Seizure and Charges
RCMP officers executing a firearms-trafficking probe last week recovered 439 firearms from Mark’s home. Investigators also found ammunition, an antique cannon and more than C$300,000 in cash. Authorities say at least three of the firearms are believed to have been illegally trafficked and that one weapon had its serial number tampered with.
Mark, 78, was arrested during a search of his property on 7 July. He has been charged with firearms trafficking and a number of other gun-related offences, including possession of unauthorized devices and unsafe storage practices. He appeared in court on roughly a dozen charges and was released from custody under conditions pending further proceedings.
Investigation Background
The investigation began in March after police were alerted to U.S. firearms charges involving another Dauphin-area man. That inquiry led investigators to weapons allegedly purchased by Mark which, according to RCMP, "were never lawfully transferred." RCMP officials emphasized the serious public-safety risks posed by illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons.
"The illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons is a serious offence that threatens public safety," said RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Manitoba Commanding Officer Scott McMurchy, who also praised the officers working the case.
Manitoba RCMP Corporal Barry Kirby told reporters: "We know he's a firearm collector, but that's really all that we know," and that the motive for the accumulation and alleged trafficking remains unclear.
Political Background
Mark served as mayor of Dauphin after his election in 1994 and later represented the riding now known as Dauphin–Swan River–Neepawa in the House of Commons from 1997 until his resignation in 2010. During his political career he was affiliated with the Reform Party of Canada, the Canadian Alliance and the Conservative Party, and he ran unsuccessfully as an independent in 2015.
The RCMP investigation is ongoing and further details are expected as the case progresses through the courts.
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